Soft-lite Elements ultra-s glass VS Pella 350

[megangardens]

Deciding between Soft-lite Elements (ultra-s glass) and Pella 350

Both are triple pane, argon gas, low-e coating. Both include insulated and reinforced frames. Both include repair of any rotted wood, and insulation of the frame/wall/former sash/weight areas. Softlite has a much better warranty, but Pella's is fine. Pella has a new welding technique to there are NO seams in the corners that looks really slick.

Anything about the window itself, or installation from these vendors would be appreciated.

I am getting the whole house updated, 18 windows, in Boston, MA>

Thanks.

[TheWindowNerd]

The 350 is a step in the right direction for Pella, I still do not like it. They buff the seams out and make it concaved. The window is a pocket sill which is a major design flaw. Also the overall frame thickness is oversized.
If it were me I would go with the Soft-Lite.
If you need further help besides an old dogs opinion just ask each for their actual AI test results. The lower the better, Soft-lite will be far superior.
By the way AI, air infiltration, measures how much draft or breeze you get through the window.
Which SL model are you looking at?

theWindowNerd...

[Windows on Washington]

Same as on GardenWeb

Pella 350 = pocket sill

That is a deal breaker in my opinion.

The Elements if one of the top 3-4 vinyl windows out there.

Easy choice.

[megangardens]

Thanks very much. The Soft-lite is $4K more for the whole project and I wasn't sure it was worth it...

[Windows on Washington]

Thanks very much. The Soft-lite is $4K more for the whole project and I wasn't sure it was worth it...

If you Google around on Pocket sills, you will read some horror stories. I have looked and determined a few in my day.

I just can't, in good faith, trust them.

[masterext]

I agree, the pella 350 is just average and has a very dated sill design which none of us would ever recommend on a double hung window. The soft lite elements is one of the top windows out there along with the okna 800 series window.

[HomeSealed]

I'd agree with the other pros, the Elements is going to have the performance edge by a comfortable margin (air leakage and u-factor), and without the design flaws that could pose potential issues such as the sill.