I have a similat set up. Where is your home located?

The windows are not getting installed directly into brick, you mean the jamb is concrete?

I am in the suburbs of Chicago. I don't understand all the details about how they plan to install the windows. I got the impression that after they cut out the current windows there will be exposed brick and they would use tapcon screws to fasten the windows to the brick. I ended up getting 5 quotes from the best rated installers on angies list. 4 out of those 5 wanted to install the windows w/o buck-frames. I got a 6th quote from another company that wanted to go the buck-frame way, but they were very expensive.

The windows are pretty comparable, although I'd give the edge to the Okna. Better u-factor and more glass area, subjectively better fit and finish. VERY close though, close
enough that I would look more closely at which dealer you like better.

The buck frame installation is pretty pricey in terms of materials and labor. I'd try to get prices on "like" installation procedures so that you can compare apples to apples. Get the SL guy to quote you with buckframes, and the Okna guy w/o... That way you can make a proper apples to apples comparison.

I think the big question for me is, are the buck-frames necessary or is it just an installation preference. I am also struggling to understand if they are indeed required to achieve a high quality install, if the impact the look of the installed project (inside or out), and if the buck-frame + Okna has significantly less glass than the "Imperial LS" w/o buck-frames.

My window is coming standard with super spacer and a foam filling in the frame and sash.

The comparison of performance numbers look similar if you look at both websites.

its a good quality window and very good deal.

I've sold both
Both products are gold label rated
Both have a .02 AI and triple fin seal
Both have an extruded screen (optional on Okna)
Both have composite glass spacer (optional on Softlite)
Both have foam filled sashes and frames
The okna does have a nice cove to the sash edge, and is not flat. The Softlite has a more ornate beading in that area, which is preferred by some and disliked by others.
The Okna has a measurably better U factor with equivalent glass package, while the LS is superior in DP
Being "beefier" is not much of a sales feature when most homeowners are trying to minimize glass loss, while still providing a strong assembly. Products like Sunrise and Okna do a better job of this than the Softlie in my opinion.

I'd agree with the above statement that they are pretty equal, although the warranty fiasco with Softlite turns me off.

Velux is where the skylight conversation begins and ends these days

Any news on your decison Mr green?

Fridge

The LS and insultexh both good

No decision yet, though I am leaner pretty strong towards the LS due to the $1000 in savings, that said, I think I would prefer the Okna if the price was the same. I plan to have another conversation with the installer.

Sounds like you are on the right track David. If you prefer the Okna, talk to the sales rep and let him know where you are at. Perhaps he'll move.... As I said earlier though, both are very good and will serve you well.

Also keep in mind how important installation quality is. If there is one dealer,one way or the other that you feel more comfort and confidence in, that would be my choice whether it is the higher or lower price

Both great. The LS is bit beefier and has a slightly better structural number. It is also beefier in the frame size as was mentioned previously.

Hi all, I decided to go with the Okna, they are measuring next week. Very excited! Thanks for all our help on this!

Good choice, and we all love to see pictures!!

Thanks for the update David. Keep us posted.

+1. Great choice... Post back with feedback and pics of you get a chance

Excellent choice, its a very air tight window ( okna ).