A support arm system for a load such as a display device. The system includes a support arm rotatable at its proximal end about a mid joint axis, monitor supporting head at the distal end of the support arm has an internal slider element and compression spring, and an arrangement of links and pivots which create a torque to oppose the torque created by a load on the head and keep a monitor plate in the same viewing plane relative to the vertical as the arm moves through its range of movement.