I used to love flying (as a passenger) in 727s back in the 80s. From what I recall the rate of climb on T/O wasn't all that steep. However a friend of mine in my weekly poker game, a retired UAL captain, claimed that the 727s had one of the best rate of climbs and that it was very powerful. Is that true?

Which type as the best rate of climb? I've always thought that the 757 was a beast and had the best thrust to weight ratio of most airline type planes. But that's just based on casual observation.

Thanks,
James