The difference need to be compared on a more specific (i.e. window to window) basis.

Some composites are good, some are terrible. Same is to be said for vinyl.

Comparing cheap vinyl to good composite...winner is composite.

You get my point but each material has its pluses and minuses and how each is weighted largely depends on the customers requirements.

I'm going for very good quality. Now leaning towards vinyl and Simonton.

Northeast. Leaning towards Simonton because of the quality but also because I can compare HD against local dealers. Also, i think it's a lower price point than soft-lite, and the other higher end options. I don't want to pay more than the Simonton price (regardless of the incremental quality/efficiency provided by the other models)

You would be well served to just get a Gorell, Okna, Soft-Lite or Sunrise quote. You might be surprised where they come in at and get a better deal in the end.

Agree, Okna, gorell,sunrise, or soft lite would all be better choices. Quite honestly, I don't know how simonton found it's name on the list of higher quality windows. It's mid grade. As long as it's at least the 5500. .

I'm not looking for the top of the line vinyl windows since they would not fit my price point (

You would be well served to just get a quote on some of those other windows and see what is out there.

Can't hurt.

I would definitely agree with WoW's advice... The product cost of a Simonton and the other premium brands mentioned is going to be close, and will vary depending on dealer. If you can find Simonton at that price point, the odds are very good that you'll find one or more of the others as well... Maybe even cheaper ;)