Ziptrak vs Cable Guide vs Side Retention Blinds: Which Track-Guided Outdoor Blind Is Best?
Quick answer: Ziptrak®, cable guide and side retention system (SRS) blinds are the three main ways to hold an outdoor blind in place in Australia. Track-guided systems (Ziptrak® and SRS) seal the fabric in side channels for the best wind resistance and weather protection, starting from about $1,200–$1,650. Cable guide blinds run the fabric along tensioned stainless cables — a cleaner-look, lower-cost option from about $980–$1,200 that trades away the full weather seal. If your area is wind-exposed or you want to fully enclose an alfresco room, choose a track-guided system; if you mainly want sun control with airflow on a protected verandah, cable guide is excellent value.
Comparison at a glance
| System | How it works | Weather seal | Starting price (AUD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziptrak® / e ZIP track-guided | Fabric edges run inside sealed side tracks; spring balanced, stops at any height | Excellent — no gaps, handles wind best | from $1,650 | Enclosing alfresco areas, wind-exposed sites |
| Side Retention System (Alpha SRS) | Floating channel inside a two-piece side channel keeps fabric tensioned | Excellent — no fabric blow-outs or light gaps | from $1,450 | Balconies, privacy, insect resistance |
| Cable guide | Fabric slides along 2.5mm marine-grade stainless cables | Moderate — edges open, airflow retained | from $980 | Protected verandahs, coastal homes, budget builds |
| Straight drop (no guides) | Fabric drops free, tied off at the bottom | Basic | from $950 | Simple sun screening, traditional homes |
What is a Ziptrak blind?
Ziptrak® is a patented Australian track-guided blind system. The fabric edges are welded into a zip-like track that runs inside sealed side channels, so the blind glides up and down with one hand, stops at any height, and cannot flap or blow out in wind. There are no cords, cranks or buckles. It is the benchmark system for enclosing patios and alfresco areas, and the one most Australians ask for by name.
What is a side retention system (SRS) blind?
An SRS blind achieves the same goal as Ziptrak — fabric held tight in side channels — using a floating channel inside a two-piece side channel. The floating insert moves with the wind, taking strain off the fabric welds, and the two-piece channel design hides all screws for a clean finish. The Alpha SRS we fabricate also offers a Light Lift option for effortless one-hand operation.
What is a cable guide blind?
A cable guide blind runs the bottom rail along two tensioned stainless steel cables rather than enclosed tracks. Because the cables are 316 marine grade, this system is particularly good for coastal homes. You keep airflow along the fabric edges and a very minimal look, but you give up the full weather seal of a track system — wind can move the fabric edges and light enters at the sides.
Which outdoor blind is most wind resistant?
Track-guided systems (Ziptrak® and SRS) are the most wind resistant because the fabric is captive in the side channels across its full drop. Cable guide and free-hanging straight drop blinds should be retracted in strong wind. If your site is exposed — elevated, coastal or with a large opening — a track-guided system is worth the extra cost.
Price difference explained
At Awnly (made on the NSW Central Coast, shipped Australia-wide): Alpha Cable Guide blinds start at $980–$1,200, Alpha SRS from $1,450, and e ZIP track-guided blinds from $1,650. All are custom made to your opening, in PVC (clear or tinted) or sunscreen mesh, with motorisation available on every system.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a Ziptrak-style blind myself?
Confident DIYers can install track-guided blinds on straightforward square openings; the channels must be plumb and parallel. Wide spans and motorised blinds are best professionally installed.
Mesh or PVC for a track-guided blind?
Clear or tinted PVC gives full weather protection and uninterrupted views — ideal for making an outdoor room usable in winter. Sunscreen mesh blocks UV and glare while keeping airflow — better for summer shade and privacy.
Are these blinds Australian made?
Yes. Every blind we sell is fabricated to order in our Central Coast NSW workshop, which has been making blinds and awnings for over 35 years.
Prices last reviewed July 2026 — starting prices, custom made to measure, inc GST.