Ziptrak® vs Zipscreen™️

Ziptrak® and Zipscreen™️
By Betta Blinds and Awnings - 29th March 2024

Ziptrak® has long been a market leader in Australia's Outdoor Blinds category and for good reason. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Ziptrak® has been the go-to choice for shading outdoor spaces.

Zipscreen™ is a competing side retention Outdoor Blind system developed by our friends at Rollease Acmeda. And while Zipscreen™ was a little later to the game they have rapidly refined the Zipscreen™ system with durability and design in mind. In this article, we’ll cover the differences between each system.

Both Ziptrak® and Zipscreen™ are industry-leading outdoor shading solutions, and regardless of which one you choose, you'll be accessing the best products on the market.

If you prioritize effortless manual operation and convenient unlocking, Ziptrak® emerges as the clear winner with its innovative centre lock release handle. On the other hand, if versatility is key or you require a variety of different awnings, including wire guide and straight drop options, then Zipscreen™ offers a more comprehensive solution.

Moreover, for those with expansive spaces, Zipscreen™ Extremes' impressive 7m maximum width provides a distinct advantage. Regardless of which system you choose, you can be confident that both products offer compelling features that enhance your outdoor living experience.

Warranty coverage is a crucial consideration for Outdoor Blinds. Zipscreen™ offers a generous 5-year warranty, providing reassurance against defects or issues that may arise over an extended period. In comparison, Ziptrak® comes with a 2-year warranty, ensuring protection for a slightly shorter duration.

The Ziptrak® Slimline Cassette and the Zipscreen™ Cassette bring unique design elements to the table. The Ziptrak® Slimline Cassette embraces a graceful aesthetic with its rounded edges, exuding a sense of elegance. This design choice adds a touch of softness to its overall look.

On the other hand, the Zipscreen™ Cassette opts for a more contemporary approach, featuring a box-like appearance with crisp, defined lines. This modern design imparts an understated look, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a sleek, minimalist aesthetic in their outdoor space. When it comes to style, it's all about your personal preference.

These subtle differences in style continue down to the side channels and bottom bars. Ziptrak® maintains a softer curved look while Zipscreen™ embraces sharper lines.

In the case of Ziptrak®, side retention is achieved through the use of highly durable kedar tape, known for its exceptional strength and longevity. This tape runs along the edges of the fabric, creating a secure connection between the blind and the side channels.

One notable feature of the Ziptrak® system is that the kedar tape is visible on the fabric skin, adding a subtle yet distinctive detail to the overall aesthetic.

Whereas Zipscreen™ employs the robust z-lock mechanism to achieve impeccable fabric retention. This innovative zip system is concealed within the side channels, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance. Ultimately, both options excel in their approach to side retention, offering homeowners equally reliable protection and shading.

Ziptrak® and Zipscreen™ feature unique locking systems that are tailored to your convenience. Ziptrak® takes the lead with its centre lock release handle, a user-friendly feature that ensures easy operation of your Outdoor Blind. For added flexibility, Ziptrak® also provides an optional reverse handle, allowing you to control the blind from the inside and outside.

In contrast, Zipscreen™ has weight bar latches that secure the bottom rail at both sides, providing a robust and reliable locking system. While the weight bar latches offer great performance, they may take a tad longer to engage compared to Ziptrak's convenient centre lock release handle. Zipscreen™ also offers a unique locking option called the ultra lock that automatically locks and unlocks the bottom rail.

Side retention awnings typically come at a higher price point compared to standard awnings due to their advanced technology and features.

While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term benefits, including better fabric retention and increased longevity, justify the cost for those seeking premium outdoor shading solutions. Compared with alternative solutions such as outdoor shutters and louvres, Side Retention Awnings are often more versatile and cost-effective.

When it comes to the pricing of Ziptrak® and Zipscreen™, you'll find that these exceptional products are in a similar price range. However, Ziptrak® is often slightly more affordable when compared to Zipscreen™.

Both brands invest heavily in high-quality materials, innovative designs, and meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that you receive a top-tier product that stands the test of time.

In addition to its standard configuration, Zipscreen™ offers a wire guide and straight drop option, allowing for seamless integration with a variety of awnings. This means that you can mix and match different awning styles while still maintaining a consistent and harmonious look across all your outdoor installations.

This level of adaptability not only speaks to Zipscreen's commitment to providing flexible solutions but also ensures that you have the freedom to curate an outdoor space that reflects your unique taste and style preferences.

When it comes to choosing the perfect Outdoor Blind for your space, both Ziptrak® and Zipscreen™ stand out as exceptional options, each with their own set of unique strengths and features.

Ziptrak® impresses with its graceful Slimline Cassette design and user-friendly centre lock release handle, offering a blend of elegance and convenience. On the other hand, Zipscreen™ showcases its modern edge with a sleek Cassette design and robust z-lock mechanism, providing a contemporary aesthetic and reliable fabric retention.

Additionally, Zipscreen's versatility in accommodating various awning styles through wire guides and straight drop options opens up a world of design possibilities.

No matter which path you choose, you can rest assured that you're investing in a premium Outdoor Blind that will elevate your outdoor space to new heights of comfort and style.