When all you want to do is enjoy your outdoor living area, Perth’s hot afternoon sun, strong coastal wind, glare, rain or pesky mosquitoes might make you trudge back inside in defeat. That’s where a quality outdoor blind from system from CurtainWorld makes all the difference.
As a WA family owned and operated business, we understand that outdoor blinds need to do more than look good. They need to handle our weather conditions, suit your home, operate smoothly and feel like a natural extension of your alfresco, patio or balcony.
At CurtainWorld, we have partnered with Zipscreen, an Australian-designed side-track system that uses z-LOCK™ technology to create a sleek, sealed and durable outdoor blind solution. But how do Zipscreen blinds compare with other well-known systems like Ziptrak and Slidetrack? Let’s break it down.
Why a Well-Designed Outdoor Blind System Matters
Not all outdoor blinds are built the same. The fabric is important, of course, but the side retention system is what helps the blind stay securely in place when the weather changes (or when the Freo Doctor comes through in the afternoon during summer).

A well-designed outdoor blind system can help:
- reduce heat, glare and UV exposure
- create a more private outdoor space
- protect against wind, rain, dust and insects
- make alfresco and patio areas more comfortable year-round
- improve the look and usability of your outdoor entertaining area
With so many outdoor blind options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which system is the best one for you. So, let’s go through what sets Zipscreen blinds apart from other popular systems like Ziptrak and Slidetrack.
Zipscreen vs Ziptrak vs Slidetrack: How They Compare
| Feature |
Zipscreen |
Ziptrak |
Slidetrack |
| System type |
Zip-guided side-track system with Z-LOCK™ technology |
Track-guided system using vertical tracks within side channels |
Patented tracking extrusion with welded splines |
| Look and finish |
Very sleek, smooth and concealed |
Practical, familiar and widely recognised |
Clean tracked finish with practical hardware |
| Weather protection |
Designed to protect against sun, wind, rain and insects |
Designed to reduce flapping and help seal against dust, dirt and insects |
Designed for weather, UV protection and privacy |
| Maximum size |
Up to 7 m wide and 5 m drop |
Up to 6 m wide and 3.5 m high for sunscreen mesh |
Up to 5.5 m wide and 3 m high |
| Control options |
Crank, spring or motorised |
Spring-balanced manual or motorised |
Spring, crank or 12V motorised |
| Strong fit for |
Premium alfresco areas, large openings and modern homes |
Practical patios and well-known track-guided installations |
Functional outdoor spaces and solar-powered options |
Zipscreen: Sleek, Sealed & Made for Modern Outdoor Living
Zipscreen is a premium external blind system designed for your outdoor areas and windows. The patented z-LOCK™ zip-guided technology guides and secures the fabric inside the side channels, helping create a fully sealed, ultra-smooth finish that protects against wind, rain, insects and WA’s scorching sun. Zipscreen outdoor blinds can also be custom-designed in widths up to 7 metres and drops up to 5 metres.

Many outdoor spaces here need shade, weather protection and airflow control without making the area feel closed in. Zipscreen’s neat side channels, concealed zip-guided system, and Ultra-Lock™ locking hardware help deliver that clean, seamless look. If the final look matters to you just as much as performance does, Zipscreen is the ideal choice.

At CurtainWorld, we can tailor Zipscreen blinds for patios, alfresco areas, balconies, verandahs, pergolas, and commercial spaces. They can be controlled manually or motorised, with easy automation available via smart home integration through app or voice control.
Ziptrak vs Zipscreen
- Both Ziptrak and Zipscreen are premium outdoor blind systems designed for alfresco areas, patios and balconies.
- Ziptrak is a well-known, practical track-guided system with strong everyday functionality, however the fabric edge is always visible.
- Zipscreen’s sleek zip-guided system is completely concealed and helps create a more refined and fully enclosed finish.
- Ziptrak standard spans up to 4.9m wide, but Zipscreen is great for large openings, spanning up to 7m wide (motorised) and 5.8m (manual).
Slidetrack vs Zipscreen
- Both Slidetrack and Zipscreen are designed to enclose patios, verandahs, balconies and outdoor entertaining areas.
- Slidetrack is a practical outdoor blind system with solid functionality, however the visible spline can slightly contrast with the fabric colour.
- Zipscreen completely hides the locking zipper mechanism, for a sleeker, modern finish.
- Zipscreen is especially well suited to larger openings and stylish alfresco areas, whereas Slidetrack is suitable for small or medium spans.
So, which outdoor blind system is best?
Our honest answer: it depends on your home, opening size, exposure, preferred operation and the look you want.
Ziptrak and Slidetrack are both popular for good reason. They offer practical outdoor blind solutions with track-guided performance, weather protection and motorisation options.
But we think Zipscreen stands out for its combination of premium finish, strong side retention, generous sizing and smart control options. The concealed z-LOCK™ system helps keep the fabric secure and smooth, while the overall design suits homeowners who want an outdoor blind that looks considered, not clunky.
And that’s where CurtainWorld’s experience matters.

Outdoor blinds are not an off-the-shelf decision. Great-looking outdoor blinds comes from careful measuring, product knowledge, quality materials and expert installation. Our experienced consultants can bring the full range to your home, talk through technical and decorating needs, and recommend a custom-made solution for your exact space. Plus, we’ll professionally install your new outdoor blinds so you can enjoy them for years to come.
Built for WA homes, backed by local experience
Since 1974, CurtainWorld is a proudly WA owned and operated business with local manufacturing facility in Malaga. More than 50 years on, we’re still helping Western Australian homeowners find tailored curtains, blinds, shutters and outdoor blinds that suit the way they live.

Our approach is simple: helpful advice, quality products and expert service without the pressure.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your alfresco area, enclosing a patio, adding shade to your balcony or improving comfort for a café or commercial space, CurtainWorld can help you compare your options and choose the right outdoor blind system with confidence.
Ready to make your outdoor space more comfortable?
Discover custom Zipscreen outdoor blinds made for Perth homes, WA weather and your way of living at CurtainWorld. Book a free measure and quote or visit our Malaga showroom to see everything we have on display.