A big thrower light needs a big reflector and it costs a lot to get a good one made. Plus you typically run a 12v emitter like the xhp35 which means multiple batteries in series and a special buck driver to run it. All that is extra work to design. Plus the size it a lot bigger which adds weight and adds to the shipping cost. A lot of times the shipping cost is added to the final price so they can say it has free shipping. So you end up with a bigger price tag.
One of the best performance to price serious throwers is going to be the soon released Astrolux MF02 at about $80. It should be good for over 1400 meters. ENEDED
Here is a handy list of thrower lights.
ASTROLUX MF-02 CREE XHP35 HI 2500lm 1.5km+ – $79 (to be confirmed)
BLF Lumintop GT with highest KCd – $150+
Manker MK35 XHP35 HI 2550lm 1420m – $155.95
Klarus G35 XHP35 HI D4 2000lm 1000m – $98.98 (not a big thrower)
Thrunite TN42 2000lm 1550m – $199
Nitecore TM38 Lite Tiny Monster XHP35 HI D4 1800lm 1400m – $360/2XX