I think if you make a shortlist and then Google for reviews and comments you should find user views on what each can handle. That's what I did being unable to examine each candidate head. I reckon the reviews of the head I chose were accurate.
Andy B. has some informative reviews on his site.
My feeling is that ball heads cost a lot due to more complex engineering. Pan and tilt heads probably offer better value at the cost of bulk and weight.
Leif
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