I use a Ries J100 with double tilt head for my Wehman 8x10. It's more like a platform than a head and is very sturdy. I wouldn't consider a ball head myself but to each their own.

Ries is expensive new but you get what you pay for. I bought my head and tripod used off eBay for a really good price. They looked like they were hardly used, even the spikes. You have to be patient though.

If you do go the ball head route don't buy one of those off set ball heads. I bought a used Gitzo off set ball head for 35mm once. I hated the thing and put it back on eBay.