Why aren't you using the same company you did previously, as you stated that things "went mostly perfectly"?

Regarding the difference between the 800 and 600, they are very close. There's roughly 1/8" difference from edge of frame to glass, but for that minimal glass loss you do pick up an assembly that is slightly more airtight and stronger (AI and DP ratings improved).

You aren't going to go wrong with either one, the biggest difference is really the look of the hardware more than anything with the full metal handles on both sashes of the 800's. Both come with aged brass as an option. Most Okna dealers only have access to one or the other, but I suppose you could ask if you are set on the 600.

Where does the Andersen come into the equation for you? It's not a bad window, but it lends itself to a different set of priorities with more weight on form over function.

Thanks for answering. I didn’t go back to the original place because it’s far away, and my contractor was already hesitant to let me look outside of Harvey. When I discovered this other closer company, I thought he’d be more open to the idea of Okna due to the proximity. Also, they purportedly had star marks, which I was curious about. Turns out they told me that, because they’ve sold them before, but really don’t normally sell them. Decided to get a quote on the 600s, which seemed to be a great idea until today, and the prices are came back very excellent compared to what I shelled out last time. My contractor will install, as part of the scope of obligated work. He just needs the windows. As for the Andersen, that’s what I would have gone with if I could have last time. The house originally had Andersens with their specified divided lights. I love the way they look, and understand the difference between a powerhouse infiltration performance window like Okna, and the beauty of an Andersen Woodwright. The cost of the Andersen, and the additional painting to have them match the bright white ( since they aren’t truly white), poses enough challenges that I have come to reconsider the Okna. This closer window outfit has a ton of positive reviews on line, but that doesn’t mean much probably these days? IDK!

Is this a new home build, or a large remodeling project?

If the latter, if possible, its ideal to have the party that is sourcing your windows install them as well. Saves a lot of finger pointing if/when issues arise.

Regarding the reviews, while always important, the weight given to them when you are simply sourcing the product is much less than if they were installing them as well.

Yeah the finger pointing is what my contractor is looking to avoid if there are issues. He was helpful in getting a very complex quote together for me with the Andersens, but he’s kind of fed up with the .okna guy and his handwritten quotes. That’s why he’s left it up to me to work with them to get the order together. While the price is very good, I suddenly feel confused and don’t want to be waylaid by confusion or setbacks. The guy has a thick accent, so it’s a slight challenge there, and since it is a remodel, not a new build I have to be careful. The brochure on line says the brass hardware is an option for the 600 so I’ll have to ask about that tomorrow. If I have to give up the brass hardware to do the 600s…perhaps I’ll do that. I could still presumable get a brass handle for the patio door, and some grids for the casements half way up the windows, and also the fixed center for the kitchen triple light window. I would do the same thing with the bay windows flanking casements (save for the large picture window). I felt a little closed in, even by the 500s so I really don’t want any more bulk. I was hoping the 600s would be slightly slimmer. I am a little worried that these details with half truscreen will get lost., as they weren’t on the proposal. There’s a bit of an unprofessional vibe coming from that office. I had showed him my Andersen proposal, and even generously left my copy for reference on the measurements, and the guy for no reason blurted out that they’re “junk” today. I wonder what they’d be like to deal with if something does go wrong. You know? Thanks for listening. ;)

Were you trying to purchase just the windows from an Okna dealer without them installing? If so, most window companies/ dealers dont do that. It brings along far too many potential headaches. The company I am with will not sell windows only as well as many others I know of.

Yes. I of course can see why. My contractor only deals with Harvey. I wanted to see if I could go outside of the builder-grade offerings, and couldn’t find anyone to sell direct besides the his Andersen contact or the local Okna outfit. It’s enough a problem already that my contractor has switched from saying he will order, to now asking me to. I have put together a list of particulars to the local Okna dealer again, to see what that will garner. I’ve decided that if it continues in this shambolic way, I might ask the original Okna dealer to help. I don’t know if that company will sell direct though. They have the exact measurements, which guards against potential wrong sizing issues. The time has grown too short for me now, and that’s created few options. I must get this thing done. :) 🤞

The Okna 600 is a better window than the andersen when it comes to performance, the numbers speak for themselves. I also agree that most window companies will NOT sell windows only. As the other poster alluded to, it opens them up to a host of potential issues. We let the home improvement stores deal with "cash n carry".