I dunno about HIDs. I know that there should be some difference between 35 and 50 watts. But a lot of those $100 or so ones on ebay are smaller for carry, and thus floodier, reducing the "wow" factor.
If a 35w is equal to a TR-J12 then a 85w is like twice a floody and twice the throw. I’ve hit 500 yards with my HID, but I would say 200 yards out to comfortably identify things.