New to outdoor blinds?
Choosing the right system comes down to what you want to achieve – are you after full weather protection, smooth operation, or a more cost-effective option?
To help you decide, we’ve put together a quick comparison of SunGuard’s most popular custom-made outdoor blind systems: Ziptrak®, Omni Lite (Café Screen), and Omni Channel (Café Screen with Side Channels).
| Ziptrak® | Omni Lite (Café Screen) | Omni Channel (Café Screen with Side Channels) | |
| Overall | Full weather protection, premium finish | Simple, cost-effective shading | Better coverage than Omni Lite at a mid-range price |
| Side Gaps | No gaps | Approx. 30mm gap each side | No fixed gaps, but fabric is not retained in tracks and may move in strong wind |
| Operation | Manual (spring-assisted, push up/down) or motorised | Manual crank handle or motorised | Manual crank handle or motorised |
| Bottom Locking | No floor locks – internal locking system within bottom bar (central handle) | Folding eye plates fixed to floor or railing | No floor locks – side locks integrated into bottom bar, locking into channels |
| Side Support Required | Yes (posts or walls on both sides) | No (can be ceiling-mounted) | Yes |
| Ease of Self-Installation | More complex – suited to experienced installers or tradies (manual provided) | Easy – suitable for confident DIY (manual provided) | Easy – suitable for confident DIY (manual provided) |
| Compactness / Look | Slim, tidy tracks – one of the most compact track-guided systems in NZ | Minimalist – similar to a heavy-duty outdoor roller blind | Larger side channels than Ziptrak® |
| Component Colours | Standard: Pearl White, Satin Black, Ironsand, Grey Friars Custom Dulux Duralloy available (Duratec extra) |
Pearl White or Satin Black Custom colours available at extra cost |
Pearl White or Satin Black Custom colours available at extra cost |
| Min / Max Size
(Width × Height) |
Min: 650 × 500mm Max: 5500 × 3500mm (PVC) 6000 × 2500mm (Mesh) |
Min: 500 × 500mm Max: 4500 × 3000mm |
Min: 500 × 500mm Max: 4500 × 3000mm |
|
Fabric Options (same across all systems) |
Clear/Tinted PVC, mesh, and canvas (various colours and opacities) | Clear/Tinted PVC, mesh, and canvas (various colours and opacities) | Clear/Tinted PVC, mesh, and canvas (various colours and opacities) |
| Warranty (same across all systems) | Components & screen fabrication: 3 years Workmanship (SunGuard install): 5 years PVC: 3 years Motors: 5 years Mesh & canvas: up to 10 years |
Components & screen fabrication: 3 years Workmanship (SunGuard install): 5 years PVC: 3 years Motors: 5 years Mesh & canvas: up to 10 years |
Components & screen fabrication: 3 years Workmanship (SunGuard install): 5 years PVC: 3 years Motors: 5 years Mesh & canvas: up to 10 years |
| Optional Add-Ons | Pelmets (aluminium cover for top roll) Flashings (flat aluminium cover) Fixed or removable side posts |
Pelmets (aluminium cover for top roll) Flashings (flat aluminium cover) |
Pelmets (aluminium cover for top roll) Flashings (flat aluminium cover) Fixed or removable side posts |
|
Price Guide
|
$$$
(custom powder coating included) |
$ | $$
(custom powder coating extra) |
Key Takeaways
- Ziptrak® – The premium option for great weather protection, smooth operation, colour integration, and a clean, gap-free finish.
- Omni Lite – A simple, cost-effective option that’s easy to install. Perfect for ceiling-mounted setups and straightforward outdoor shading.
- Omni Channel – A mid-range option with side channels for improved coverage, but without a true track-guided system. A good balance between price and performance if no custom powder coating required.
For more details on fabric options and to explore which system suits your space best, get in touch with the SunGuard team or request a free measure and quote.
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