You're quite right. My curiosity was more about the garments that come with the package deal. I assume these packaged garments are the same ones they have been selling separately for some time so I figured several out there have tried them and could comment. I was trying to figure out how they compare with the usual 100, 200, 300, 400 gram thinsulate that seems to be common in DUI-speak. The garments are made of "fleece," though, so they would require more lofting than Thinsulate.
White's doesn't seem to keep their web site updated very well, as I see no mention of the Polar Flex 2 that's in their latest catalogue. One LDS quoted me $740 for a Polarflex package and they'd throw in a drysuit course for free.
The advantage over the shell is that the bottom half is made out of their crushed neoprene, which is supposedly much more durable. It seems to be a competitor to DUI's FLX 50/50. From what I can tell, the legs seem to be the most prone for wear & tear and some of the first extremities to start cooling off - that's where the durable/warmer crushed neoprene comes in handy. The top half is (supposedly) not as subjected to that sort of abuse (wearing BC/harness/etc) so they made it out of shell material to allow for more flexibility. At least this is what I assume.
I don't see why stores couldn't presell these, the parts are already available separately, and it takes 4-6 weeks to get the suit anyway. The package is just a marketing thing to entice potential new customers based on savings. One thing I noticed is that the package suit only comes with the 2mil bottom and quadflex top. I'd prefer the 4mil bottoms since most of my diving will be in 45-55 degree water. I'm not sure if the quadflex or the bi-lam would prove to be more durable around our local wrecks(?)
I wonder if anyone has tried the COM 10 suit.. that looks like a warmer version of the DUI CF200
