It’ll come down to cosmetics . There all great windows.

So there is no truth to the whole the Starmark is a better or longer lasting window than the 800 or 700 series? Trying to discern if both windows come with lifetime warranties would the rep tell me I'd have to replace the vinyl ones in 20 years where the composite should last a lifetime... I get upselling but he didn't even offer me the Starmark until I called him 2 days later to inquire about them.

The look to me doesn't really matter, I never look at my windows and say I hate the styling. I want them to function, do their job and last.

+1. There are cosmetic differences, but some measurable structural differences as well where the compsosite has a much higher DP (strength rating). Its a superior window, the question is really just about what best fits your goals and budget for the project.

The DP on the 7500 is 70 and 0.03 air infiltration. The 800 is a DP60 and 0.01 air infiltration. The difference is slight and each has a very small advantage over the other.

That's incorrect Todd. I think you may be mixing in some double hung data.

I don't know that I'd characterize a 10 pt difference in DP as "slight". Also, the air infiltration rating is .01.

I fully agree that these are two great windows, but once again, the difference is more than cosmetic.

My mistake, those were double hung numbers, but it is still miniscule IMO .

The 700 casement is still a DP70 and the same air numbers. The performance difference is slight in the real world, the cosmetic is the biggest difference and the price of course.

I would not call 10 pts in DP "miniscule", but if that's your opinion, so be it. It also does so with an extra 1/2"+ of glass. I agree that the difference in performance overall is slight, but its a much different window from top to bottom, that is inarguable -- the least of which is cosmetic. They actually look pretty close, especially with woodgrain interior.

If I recall, neither line is sold in your neck of the woods, but you should take a look at both for comparison if the opportunity ever presents itself.

A DP 70 is rated at 165 mph windspeed vs a DP 80 at 176 mph. In Long Island you may get 100 mph windspeed in the worst of circumstances. I’m not sure the extra 1/2” of glass means much of anything relative to the DP rating. I’ll be sure to look for sure.

Those are mostly fair statements Todd. That said, if the actual wind speed expected in a given area was one's guide in considering DP ratings, that would result in some pretty awful window choices, I'm sure that you'd agree. DP20 or 25?

As far as the added glass area, the point is that a superior product is able to achieve a higher DP rating while eliminating bulk at the same time, giving even more weight to the difference IMO.

Going back to the orginal posters question , I dont see the point in upgrading unless they feel the cosmetical differences are worth it as I feel the performance differences are to small make a any difference in the real world. If you think the 7500 is gonna last longer or perform better than the 700 I would love to see the mon existant data.