Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

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RedWings
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Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#1 Post by RedWings »

What are the comparable offerings between Okna and Soft-Lite

Okna 500 = SL ?
Okna 600 = SL?
Okna 800 = SL?

Great info on this site!!!!

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HomeSealed
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#2 Post by HomeSealed »

Let me flip that, listed from the top down:

Okna_______________________ Softlite
---------------------------------------------------
1000/ HiMark_________________NA
Evo Composite________________ NA
800/Envirostar________________Elements
600/Eco Pro___________________LS
500/Insultec__________________ LS
400/PrecisionWeld______________Pro, maybe Bainbridge
NA __________________________Barrington, Classic

There are a few that are close. Himark and EVO are 1a and 1b, some may put one above the other in the Okna line. The Pro and Bainbridge could be debated on the SL side.

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toddinmn
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#3 Post by toddinmn »

I’d put the LS above the 500 and the Pro closer to 500 and the others above the 400.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#4 Post by HomeSealed »

toddinmn wrote: Wed Jun 19, 2019 10:18 pm I’d put the LS above the 500 and the Pro closer to 500 and the others above the 400.
I think that the first part is fair, although they are very close.

What would be your reasoning for put the others over the 400 though? With a .26 U value and DP50 without reinforcement, I think a strong argument could be made that the 400 is better than every SL window under the LS including the Pro... I don't have a strong opinion on that part as I think that they aren't all that far off, just wondering what you base your opinion on? The 400 as you can see is also pretty good at what it does, after all.

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toddinmn
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#5 Post by toddinmn »

The 0.26 is with upgrades, I see no numbers for either with or without reinforcements for either. Then the 400 is superior to Sunrise Restorations going by numbers? I also really dislike windows without an accessory groove.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#6 Post by HomeSealed »

toddinmn wrote: Thu Jun 20, 2019 5:13 pm The 0.26 is with upgrades, I see no numbers for either with or without reinforcements for either. Then the 400 is superior to Sunrise Restorations going by numbers? I also really dislike windows without an accessory groove.
.26 is with foam fill which may as well be standard. I don't know numbers, but I suspect that Okna sells few windows without foam fill despite it being "optional". If you'd like we could specify "DX" models as opposed to "base" models.
The 400 has no option for reinforcement. It simply gets a DP 50 without it. I'm just saying that with equivalent content (foam fill, no reinforcement, etc) the 400 seems to outperform the SL Pro. Despite being the "entry level" model, it is a newer design with superior engineering IMO.

As far as the Restorations, not sure that I would argue that point. If had to choose to install the 400 or Restorations in my own home, I'd probably opt for the 400. I've installed many units of both.

I agree on the accessory groove for installation purposes, although not much relevance there to quality or performance.

RedWings
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#7 Post by RedWings »

Great information. This is helping a lot.

How does Provia stack up against the SL and Okna? Their model lines like the Aspect?

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HomeSealed
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#8 Post by HomeSealed »

Don't mind our friendly banter Redwings, we all have our own personal biases/opinions, but hopefully you are able to take away a general idea of where things line up...

As far as Provia, the Endure is a good window. While they make phenomenal doors, and the window has pretty solid performance, I personally don't put them in the same category as Softlite and Okna. Those are two manufacturers that offer excellence in window design and manufacturing, and have for years. Windows are a somewhat new offering for Provia and I'm not sure that there is a mastery there yet based on the feedback that I've heard from others in the industry on QC issues, etc. I'd probably say the same in reverse if Okna or SL started selling entry doors (although I believe that SL does already). Don't expect 5 star pasta from the steakhouse, nor a 5 star steak from the Italian joint. They can each probably do a decent job, but if you want a GREAT experience, go with the specialist...

To elaborate on the windows more specifically, companies like Okna and SL design, engineer, and manufacture their own windows. Provia uses a product designed by others and simply assembles it. There are other windows from other manufacturers that are essentially the same design. I don't doubt that they do a respectable job of putting it together as they are a good company, but again, just not in the same category IMO.

RedWings
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#9 Post by RedWings »

Homesealed I love the banter. I have been reading a ton on this forum so I know how it all goes and learning a lot.

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toddinmn
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#10 Post by toddinmn »

Most of the vinyl window companies use extrusions made by others. The extrusions in some cases can be used by others but final quality control and some designs in those extrusions are exclusive to certain companies. A lot of the designing and engineering is done by the extrusion companies, manufacturing and sales representation is done by the the companies that manufacturers them.

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toddinmn
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#11 Post by toddinmn »

Most of the vinyl window companies use extrusions made by others. The extrusions in some cases can be used by others but final quality control and some designs in those extrusions are exclusive to certain companies. A lot of the designing and engineering is done by the extrusion companies, manufacturing and sales representation is done by the the companies that manufacturers them.

Delaware Mike
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#12 Post by Delaware Mike »

On paper and from viewing the brochures of ProVia's vinyl windows one would assume that they have one of the nicest products out there. In the real world of ordering and receiving windows from them I can tell you first hand that they just have too many quality control slips. They do a pretty nice job on the double-hung Endure offering, but that same line in casements is an engineering blunder. I'm not a fan of that whole Duceuninck extrusion platform. Vytex was using a cousin platform to it and scraped it. Thermal and United are still utilizing a version that is similar to what ProVia is making.

I think that OKNA 500dx and Imperial LS are way better than an Aspect.

masterext
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#13 Post by masterext »

The Okna 600 “ Eco Pro ” is right between the Elemets and Ls. The okna 600 has structural reinforcement as well as an interlocking header and interlocking sill and of course a foam filled frame and sash. Those are nice engineering features. additionally the 600 has a narrow frame allowing for more glass.
To me, provia always was and always will be a great door company. They make a pretty good window but they are better at doors in my opinion.

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toddinmn
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#14 Post by toddinmn »

So, if we were to put the Sunrise Restorations into this comparative line up it below the 400 and maybe above the Barrington?

RedWings
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Re: Okna vs Soft-Lite line comparison

#15 Post by RedWings »

Decided to go with the Okna 600 series plus an Okna Slider using Windows on Washington. I've used them in the past on my first slider and was impressed with the product, install, and Eric's help.

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