Can you tell me why the 5050 is not the same as the 5500? I have been to two building suppliers and they are telling me when you upgrade the glass in the 5050 it is the same as the 5500.

Looking at sample windows, the only difference I can see when they have the same glass is one has a stepped finish and the other is a single bevel on the outside. Just a cosmetic change.

As for opening up to other manufacturers we started there and are down to these three in my original post.

I copied this from Skydawggy on another board....

The 5500 is a completely different extrusion. Not only is it more attractive but the welds are much cleaner than the 5050. The extrusions on the 5500 have greater structural integrity and thus a higher DP rating. In addition, the 5500 has much lower air and water infiltration ratings and uses a 3/4" stainless steel balance as oppose to the 1/2 inch on the 5050. The 5500 also uses 2 strip of fin seal and one strip of compression seal on the top sash and 2 layers of compression seal and on strip of fin seal on the sill. Lastly, as you already know, the stepped sill on the 5500 provides and excellent water barrier.

Don't assume some guy working at a wholesale warehouse has any in depth knowledge of a product like a window or door. Many of them have had no factory training at all and only know what they've "heard". You are likely to get better information from an installer. Walk away from the next person who tells you the 5500 and the 5050 are almost the same window. The 5300 is much more similar to the 5050. Basically it's the 5050 with a stepped sill but for a few dollars more than the price of the 5300, you can go with the 5500.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vinyl Replacement board

i have a price offered for the simonton prism platinum windows . what is the difference from a 5500 series. is the prism better?

Prism Platinum and the Reflections 5500 are essentially the same window. Minor cosmetic differences that have no effect on performance.

Don't tell Norandex that Skydawggy. :-)

is the simonton prism platinum a good window ?

Yes. It is effectively the same window as the 5500 but with double strength glass as a standard.