Ziptrak blinds vs eZIP blinds vs Zipscreen blinds: Which Outdoor Blind System Is Best for You?

Do you enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, taking a salad from the kitchen to your outdoor kitchen and the meat sizzling on the BBQ? These recreational times are fantastic, but can be interrupted by annoying bugs or the weather. We are a country famous for the great outdoors, and we need ways to help us enjoy it in safety and comfort.

Alfresco Blinds Co have three easy options to keep you protected from the elements while enjoying a summer evening with friends. You can choose from Ziptrak blinds, eZIP blinds or Zipscreen blinds. These outdoor blinds all sound familiar, so what’s the actual difference between them? This is what we’re going to talk about in this article, and then help you make the best choice for your outdoor entertaining area.

There are some key differences in their features that give all three outdoor track guided systems some major advantages or disadvantages, from operation, aesthetics to price and to functionality.

But when it comes to choosing the perfect blinds for your home, budget, style and prerequisites all need to be considered.

What are Ziptrak Blinds?

Ziptrak blinds are proudly Australian-designed for our unique conditions, they were the original outdoor blind and invented in Adelaide. They are a blind system that are vertically track-guided to come down and offer protection from wind and rain, insects and UV radiation.Ziptrak blinds are built to cope with intense weather conditions and changes due to its patented way of using a keydar spline which is unique as it securely holds blinds tightly in place and due to its durability and weld surface are make it the most difficult to dislodge but over time it has now been proven this keydar over years of friction does tend to break or fail so constant maintenance is required, ziptrak have uv stabilised it to help improve this also.Unlike its competitors even though the keydar doesn’t allow for best tension levels or thickness it rolls up meaning larger hood boxes it does allow flexibility of using materials like clear PVC 0.75mm.

There is no annoying flapping around and needing to secure these blinds in windy conditions, making them extremely easy to use. They are drawn down much like your interior curtains, although motorised versions are available. The motor is hidden away discreetly so it doesn’t take away from the ambience.

You can have them at various heights, they don’t have to be all the way down. This allows you to have UV protection during the midday sun while still enjoying the breeze and view to your back yard where your kids and your dog can be running around.

Ziptrak blinds are also commonly used in commercial settings, such as cafe blinds and pubs, to help keep their outdoor dining areas protected for patrons, day or night time.

They have a span of 6 meters. If you have a small outside deck or balcony, these would be a perfect fit. With their patented Centre Lock Release, you can lock your Ziptrak blinds down, giving you extra security to your home. Create an extra room with that outdoor al fresco feel, and feel assured no one is getting in the backdoor of your home. Be mindful to purchase Ziptrak from authorised dealers as it has come to our attention that many companies are using copies thereby damaging the reputation of ziptrak. Purchasing genuine Ziptrak means you’ll have the correct product to deal with Australia’s climate

What are eZIP blinds?

Very similar to Ziptrak blinds, eZIP features a heavier duty channel-guided track system. This gives better protection in windy environments and superior tension on wider frames. This system also protects against UV rays and reduces the annoyance of insects.

eZIP blinds are often created from higher strength and durable materials which helps resist fading and tearing. Ezip was Created over 7 years ago by the team at Hardback and AAG to be a Melbourne Made and Invented Product specifically designed for Melbourne’s harsh conditions.

With that in mind eZIP® story has evolved and has been through rigorous testing and changed over the last 4 years to finally be introduced into the Market to be the superior outdoor blind solution

They use a patented Italian designed zip-guide system. This allows the screen to be tense at any level, stopping the waving and ‘bowing’ in strong winds.

Much like Ziptrak, the customisation abilities to fit your outdoor area are fantastic. You don’t have to have a rectangular or square space to use these types of blinds. You can also have a manual version of an automatic motorised system for easy use.

There are a wide range of colours you can choose from to match your outdoor decor. This makes eZIP blinds feel more a part of your total outdoor design package, rather than an afterthought.

With its patented multi-direction tension setting, eZIP® track blinds always look good with optimal blind alignment for a taut blinds fabric result that complements any outdoor setting.

With a slim and sleek fully enclosed 135mm square pelmet headbox, either extruded aluminium or COLORBOND® for budget conscious buyers, eZIP® is the complement to modern linear design trends. Now Also available is eZIP XL with its 7.2m span using a 100mm aluminium tube and 165mm COLORBOND hood or Extruded aluminium 175mm hoods. Also its leading lead weighted Heavy duty Bottom Bar provides extreme performance in holding blinds in positions and especially extreme performance in motorised blinds which use gravity to drop

These blinds are popular for residential homes with large span alfrescos. They’re also popular with commercial restaurants and suburban cafes to keep the sun and wind out of patron’s eyes and food. They are slick in design and look right at home in modern dining locations.

What are Zipscreen blinds?

The third option discussed here are Zipscreen blinds. There are many similarities in function and features as the previous two kinds of blinds, but Zipscreen blinds have some subtle technological differences that set them apart.

These styles of blind are designed for weather resistance, protecting you from the wind and the rain and the UV rays from a harsh Australian sun. They can span up to 7 meters without losing integrity in high winds or rain thanks to our Zipscreen Extreme System.

Zipscreen blinds can be manually operated or controlled with a quiet motor for ease and convenience.

For some time Acmeda has offered an internal Zip Block Out Roller Blind system often called Shy Zip. With the success of Ziptrak Outside Blinds, Acmeda decided to design a competitor product using the same zip based ZLock technology used in the Shy Zip internal system.

This design work culminated in Zipscreen system Version 1 which was released in a limited way approximately 2 years ago. A number of small issues were found after the first release especially relating to the top funnel system so they released Version 2 which solved the limited number of issues. This is part of Rollease Acmeda’s focus on Outdoor shading systems and a variety of sunshade Blinds.

Acmeda have now released the Veue Awning range which includes Straight Drop blinds, Wire Guide Blinds and the Zipscreen Extreme system which can be used on blinds up to 7mts wide. The Standard Zipscreen come with an extruded aluminium hood box of 125mm as standard with the extreme using an extruded headbox of 170mm.

Why Would You Need These Kinds of Blinds?

Australians love outdoor entertaining. Eating with friends and family on a balmy summer evening on the patio or deck is something truly Australian. The BBQ and outdoor kitchen right there serving freshly cooked chops and cold drinks right to your hand.

Our love of the outdoors is not just related to fine dining. Relaxation and wellness spaces for meditation or quiet reading; outdoor gardening spaces; extensions out from your loungeroom to give you space and airiness; dedicated outdoor play area for young children; even outdoor secure areas for pets to enjoy outdoor time without the risk of running away.

It may be a case that your outdoor areas are not fully weather proof, your furniture is not rainproof, or your pavers are not fully sealed. So having some blinds as protection will ensure your outdoor environment lasts longer and looks great.

You would also need these blinds for sun protection. Australia is well known for the intencity of its UV radiation. We have jingles telling you all to ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’. Any one of these three kinds of blinds helps with the ‘seek’ aspect, seeking shade. Enjoy the outdoors around your home, but be sun smart at the same time with some blinds.

Which system is best for you?

With all these similarities, the choice between Ziptrak, eZIP and Zipscreen can be a tricky one. Many factors will come into play. Here is a table to show some quick comparisons

	Ziptrak	eZIP	Zipscreen
Best Feature	Ease of use, simple operation, invented in Adelaide	Heavy duty, solid feel, good for high winds, designed in melbourne for our conditions	Modern, sleek styling. Motorised operation – great for smart home operation
Best Suited Motors	Alpha	Linx, Becker or Somfy	Somfy or Acmeda automate
Maximum Span	Up to 6m sunscreen or 5.5m pvc	Up to 7.20m wide xl, standard up to 6m	Up to 7m extreme or standard under 5.8m
Lock type	Central locking system	Internal tension tri-lock system with handle or Crank Operation	Bottom slide bolts or crank operation
Design Style	Classic shade design, visible track	Heavy duty profile, solid looking	Compact, rounded box, zip guide hidden inside track.
Wind resistance	Good	Very High	Good to very High
Material Types	Clear PVC 0.75mm or sunscreen mesh	Clear PVC 0.75mm or sunscreen mesh or new combo combining both	Sunscreen Mesh only
Warranty	2 Years	5 Years COLORBOND or 10 Years Extruded aluminium	5 Years
Reliability Ranking 0-10	3	8	7
Alfresco Blinds Co Ranking	Bronze	Gold	Silver
Faults That Occur	Spline Failure, tear bottom left spline holder, double sided handle	Zips shredding in high winds or popping out	Zips popping out, crank handle not to size, smaller bottom bar causing flapping in weather

For modern, sleek designs and a tighter fit to your outdoor frames, Zipscreen may be the option for you.

If you’re looking for something durable and easy to operate that will handle the everyday life in backyard Australia, go for a Ziptrak.

We recommend speaking to an expert in our store, seeing the range in our Epping location for yourself to help you with your decision making. We’re open Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays by appointment.

Enjoy your outdoors more often with protection from wind, rain and the harsh sunshine with outdoor blinds from Alfresco Blinds Co. If you’re looking for more than the range of Ziptrak, eZIP and Zipscreen, browse our cafe blinds, patio blinds and other outdoor roller blinds. We have so many options to make your outdoor living much more comfortable and enjoyable.

FAQ

Q: What care and maintenance is required on eZIP?

eZIP® track blinds will perform better when used regularly and not left up for long periods. To operate at its best eZIP® track blinds need to be clean and free of debris. Regularly hose, at normal tap pressure, the exposed extrusions with clean water and allow them to dry. eZIP runners must be hosed out every 6 months to remove atmospheric dirt and dust build up.

NO Lubricant or Silicone sprays should be used on the zip or zip runner

Never use abrasive sponges or solvent type cleaners (turps, kerosene, paint thinners) on components or Powder Coated surfaces. Using such agents will void the warranty.

Q:  How long is the eZIP® warranty?

If cared for properly and given basic maintenance, your eZIP® track blind will operate problem free for many years. eZIP® track blinds are backed with a standard 5 year warranty that extends to 10 years when fitted with an eZIP® track blind extruded aluminium pelmet. The warranty applies to defective parts only in normal use and service. Exclusions apply*

Q: Can I use Ziptrak blinds in any outdoor space?

Absolutely. Ziptrak blinds work well in numerous outdoor settings including patios, balconies, verandahs, and pergolas. For both home and business applications in Melbourne, they maintain the usability and comfort of outdoor areas year-round, regardless of the weather.

Q: Can these blinds be motorised?

Yes, all three systems offer motorisation options. Motorised blinds can be controlled via remote, smartphone apps, or integrated with smart home technology like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The motors are concealed within the pelmet for a seamless appearance.

Q: How do you operate these blinds?

Ziptrak uses a spring-balanced system requiring just a light push to lower or raise. eZIP® offers crank operation, spring lock, or motorisation. Zipscreen can be operated manually with crank or spring operation, or via motorisation. All systems can stop and stay at any desired position.

Q: Do these blinds protect against insects?

Yes, all three systems provide excellent protection against flies, mosquitoes, and other insects when using mesh fabrics, allowing you to enjoy outdoor spaces without toxic insect repellents.

Q: How much maintenance do these blinds require? 

These outdoor blind systems are designed for durability and require minimal maintenance. They’re made with high-quality, industrial-grade materials built to withstand Melbourne’s climate. The track-guided systems eliminate the need for maintenance-prone ropes, chains, and pulleys.