If you want a top quality boom pole, I can very highly recommend Loon Audio:
LOON AUDIO : Loon Boom latest boom and audio technology, including BaseMate, Wing and a full line of accessories

These poles have some great advantages not in any others. Everything is explained on the website.

(I do not and have never had any connection with the company.)

Have you checked out the Rode NTG-3?

I don't own an NTG-3 but many people on this forum have said that it is killer bang for the buck.

Just throwing that out there :)

I will check into the Rode, Michael... thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks for the "legal" advice on the bands, guys. That is good to know!

Hi Tyler, I have a few videos that might help with your decisions.

First, here is one with the Sennheiser MKH416 with no wind protection, then foam windscreen, then blimp, and finally blimp with hairy. Dead cat Wind Protection for Shotgun Microphones on Vimeo

The next video is in response to the MKH50, I'd probably consider the new Sennheiser 8040 cardidoid instead. Listen to it here Microphone Polar Patterns - Video Examples to learn from at DVcreators.net
Those mics are the Sennheiser 8020, 8040, 8050 and MKH416 running through the Sound Device 302 into a Panasonic HPX500.

Finally, for the Sennheiser Evolution G2 lav with the Countryman B6, you can listen to it here Countryman B6 lavalier at DVcreators.net

And, I don't know if I'd consider this a good example, but here is a quick test of the new RODE NTG-3, which I'd put against the MKH416 at almost half the cost. Well, at least in our store :) Shotgun mic Test - Exterior / Interior with the RODE NTG-3 on Vimeo

Visit Ty Ford's site (tyford.com) for a great example of the 416 vs. NTG-3

Hope some of this helps,