I could not agree more, in my honest opinion Pella would be a non-starter.

Agree with others, Kolbe. I have been replacing my Pellas a few at a time at my house in the Chicago area (so a similar climate to yours, slightly less severe). The Pellas just not up to the task of this climate with its 100-degree temp difference between winter and summer, and the ice and the condensation and all that. I replaced with Marvins, but Kolbe was my second choice. Marvins are expensive, but since I only replaced a few windows at a time, I could swing it, then waited 9 months or so, and did a few more, I just have a couple left now to replace. Detested my Pella windows and sliding glass doors. Kolbe Ultras were less expensive than Marvins, but still good quality, and if I were doing a whole house at once, I would have chosen them.

Most important is your windows contractor. You can have the best windows in the world, but if not installed well, they won't perform well.

Marvin is the best, IMO, but Kolbe makes a really nice window as well. As others have said, Pella is not worthy of consideration at all.

Can't say anything that has not already been said. Another vote for Kolbe here.

You will probably pay more, but I think Kolbe is going to be the more robust product.

If you haven't considered Marvin...I would definitely throw them into the mix. I also just noticed where you and the project are located. I only have one recommendation in Wisconsin and he posted just above me (i.e. HomeSealed). I absolutely would give him a ring to see if he covers your area. Can't go wrong with those guys.

Agreed anything but Pella

Kolbe and Marvin ( ultimate) make the nicest wood windows.

My two cents is to avoid Marvin. In 2011 I replaced 10 windows -- 6 casements, 4 double hung. Within a year the casement hardware broke, and the finish corroded and peeled.

Apparently, hardware on double hung units is solid metal but casement hardware is not. The design is odd, too: a tiny screw keeps the handle in place, and it comes loose, preventing the handle from turning smoothly. And it wobbles.

Worse, there is a problem with my Ultimate French two-door casement: the locking mechanism malfunctions. Twice in the past 5 years I had to call Marvin to tell me how to lock my window!! I know another person who had this problem.

The 2nd floor casements have plastic hardware that loosens easily; one piece kept popping out of the frame. I was under warranty, so all hardware was replaced. Both Marvin and Super Enterprises were very accommodating.

Unfortunately, the same problems have all recurred this year. The windows just don't stand up to wear. Again, Marvin was accommodating and the problems will be fixed, but what happens when the warranty wears out?

This whole situation has been very upsetting given Marvin's reputation and the high cost of the windows. Never again.

Note: I asked and offered to pay for solid brass hardware, but it is available only for doors, not windows.

sorry to hear of your troubles jgavron. I do have to mention a few points however. Marvin does not make their own hardware, in fact I'm not sure of a window manufacturer that does. They all source their hardware from a small handful of companies that make it. Secondly, the set screw method used to secure the handle on the casements is a pretty universal design. I'm sure that they are out there, but off the top of my head I can't even think of any products that do not utilize that method. When secured properly, it is a pretty reliable system. If it keeps coming loose, you could probably use some teflon tape or locktite on the threads.

Again, sorry to hear of the issues, however those really could occur with any other product as well as the parts are not specific to Marvin. The important part IMO is that they are repairing or replacing any parts as needed, and hopefully those replacements don't have the same issue. I've installed many Marvin jobs over the years and this is not something that I've seen with any regularity.

My Kolbe french doors leak, rest are fine but constantly needing to be adjusted. I would go for Marvin.