Window having a counterbalance system that maximizes egress opening

A window assembly, comprising:

• a window frame;
• a guide track mounted to said window frame;
• a window sash that moves within said guide track between a fully open position and a fully closed position;
• a counterbalance system for counterbalancing said window sash in said window frame as said window sash moves between said fully open position and said fully closed position, wherein said counterbalance system includes;
• i. a first stop mounted in said guide track;
• ii. a spring housing disposed in said guide track above said first stop, wherein said spring housing is free moving in said guide track but cannot move past said first stop;
• iii. a brake shoe coupled to said window sash, wherein said brake shoe has two sections separated by a severance space;
• and
• iv. a spring that extends from said spring housing to said brake shoe;
• wherein a portion of said first stop passes through said severance space as said brake shoe travels in said guide track and passes said first stop.