My Girlfriends Father has one of those huge 12 volt spotlights from Harbor Freight or some such place. Claims 1,000,000 candlepower. I have a hand held Olight M30 with 2 x 18500 batteries (Rechargeable) and it is MUCH brighter than that "spotlight." It is an LED light rated at 700 lumens out the front.
The Olight M30 is more "floody" than a true thrower. If you're looking for a pure thrower, then you'll be happier with a Jetbeam M1X, as I understand these throw better (due to reflector design). These are LED lights and will run about $100-$150 depending on where you buy them from.
If you're looking for a MEGA light, then I would suggest the Polarion HID (If you're independantly wealthy and have need for a $1,200 to $2,500 search light.)
If you're looking for something a bit more "reasonable" then the Microfire HID series have had good reviews. ($350ish to $600 ish depending on model and place of purchase.)
Do yourself a favor and take a peek at
www.candlepowerforums.com and take some notes. It gives me a headache every time I read those posts.
Here are some pictures that may help you decide on a flashlight. Left to right:
Olight M30 (Without battery extender), AA Battery, Dorcy 41-4292 LED 6 Watt K2 Terminator, AAA Battery, Mini Maglight, R123A Battery, K2 Element, Surefire G2 Nitrolon, Surefire E2e
Olight M30 with the extender:
Olight M30 Bits and Pieces
