Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review the ALTEX™ SecureZIP from the local zip blinds provider mc.2.
As mentioned in my previous articles, I recently moved into a new apartment with a rather large balcony. I wanted to enclose the balcony and transform it into an indoor space, so I was searching for local zip blinds providers. In so doing, I came across the original Australian Ziptrak and the ALTEX™ SecureZIP from mc.2. The former was out of my budget (I was quoted close to 7K), so I eventually opted for the latter. Let’s see if it’s any good.
mc.2 – the Brand
mc.2 describes itself as “the Singapore pioneer in fashionable Smart-Blinds that transform any indoor or outdoor area into a great-looking space”. The brand derives its name from Albert Einstein’s famous mass-energy equivalence formula of E=MC2, and states that the name is a reminder to be smarter than the competition.
mc.2 also has a two-storey showroom in Ubi, showcasing a range of curtains and blinds. I visited the showroom and was shown around by Lisa, who demonstrated the differences between the various zip blinds. Specifically, she elaborated on the distinctions between the ALTEX™ SecureZIP (MC2’s in-house offering) and the pricier Renson zip blinds from Europe. After understanding my needs, she was frank enough to recommend the more affordable ALTEX™ SecureZIP. She shared that the Renson zip blinds are more appropriate for higher floor units (like penthouses) or locations with strong winds (such as being near beaches, etc).
mc.2 ALTEX™ SecureZIP – Review
As such, I decided to follow Lisa’s recommendation and opt for the ALTEX™ SecureZIP. I provided her with my floor plan, and she gave me a rough quote (around 4K) based on three panels and three motors. After I agreed to the quote, she booked a site measurement appointment for me.
After two weeks, a representative from mc.2 came down to take a detailed measurement of my balcony before providing me with a final quote. The final quote was slightly more than Lisa’s initial quote but still within the 10% margin of error (customers can request a full refund of their deposit if the final quote differs from the initial quote by more than 10%).
After a month, the mc.2 installation team came down to install the ALTEX™ SecureZIP. The installation process was fairly quick and took only about two hours.
I was impressed by the team’s meticulousness. For example, they took pains to touch up the paint on the frames, ensuring a smooth texture.
The mc.2 team also spent considerable time cleaning up after the installation, leaving my balcony practically spotless.
I appreciate how space-saving the ALTEX™ SecureZIP is. When the zip blinds are retracted, they do not obstruct the view from the balcony and preserve a seamless aesthetic.
Unlike other generic zip blind brands (where the fabric and motors are made in China), mc.2’s ALTEX™ SecureZIP uses Somfy motors, which are made in France. Somfy is a leading manufacturer of quiet and smooth motors and has been in the business for over 50 years.
The operation of the motorised blinds is smooth and relatively quiet – no complaints here.
Each panel can be individually operated, which allows for versatility in usage. For example, I can retract the side panel when I’m doing my laundry while keeping the main panel closed.
Speaking of the main panel, I opted for a single panel (without a centre pillar) for a more seamless look.
On the topic of seamless aesthetics, here’s a closeup of the fixtures—as you can see, the installation team did a great job ensuring a smooth look.
I use my balcony area to host, which makes zip blinds a necessity. For one, zip blinds make the enclosed area brighter. Here’s a photo of my balcony with the zip blinds retracted…
…and here’s a photo of my balcony with the zip blinds down. As you can see, the balcony appears much brighter with the zip blinds down, as light is reflected from the blinds to illuminate the enclosed area.
Additionally, the ALTEX™ SecureZIP helps keep rain, wind, pests, and dust out, essentially weatherproofing my balcony area. Before installing the zip blinds, my balcony was at the mercy of the elements—there were numerous times when I had to cut short dinner/board game/poker sessions because it rained. Furthermore, the zip blinds also help to keep the air conditioning in, allowing me to use my living room aircon to cool the balcony. In other words, installing the ALTEX™ SecureZIP significantly increases the usability of my balcony space.
Lastly, installing the zip blinds also guarantees privacy for your balcony space. Although the ALTEX™ SecureZIP does let a bit of light in, the exterior is opaque – perfect if you have kaypoh neighbours.
Here’s an example of my neighbour’s balcony with the zip blinds down. As you can see, the zip blinds provide privacy for the balcony and the living room. If you wish to be shielded from prying eyes, then having zip blinds is a must.
Conclusion – so mc.2 ALTEX™ SecureZIP “shiok” or not?
mc.2’s ALTEX™ SecureZIP is one of the most popular zip blinds in Singapore, and I can certainly see why. Firstly, the mc.2 team is straightforward and meticulous, with prompt communication. Secondly, the ALTEX™ SecureZIP is relatively affordable, being similarly priced to generic Chinese offerings but also being significantly cheaper than Australian Ziptrak models. Thirdly, installing the zip blinds has skyrocketed the functionality of my balcony, ensuring that I have a place to host/a studio space no matter the weather conditions and protecting my guests’ privacy. Lastly, mc.2 also provides a 5-year warranty on the ALTEX™ SecureZIP (with labour fees waived for the first two years), which nicely covers the 5-year MOP period.
Those interested in purchasing zip blinds (or curtains) from mc.2 can quote the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” in-store or when making their appointment to enjoy 5% off all purchases. Given that zip blinds cost well into the four figures, a 5% discount is quite substantial. Note that there’s usually a long lead time of 6-8 weeks for zip blinds, so factor that into your renovation planning.
Update: The mc.2 ALTEX™ SecureZIP has been superseded by the MAGNAZip, an in-house product developed through mc.2’s R&D and manufactured by mc.2. The MAGNAZip is priced identically to the outgoing ALTEX™ SecureZIP, making it an even better value proposition.
View the ALTEX™ SecureZIP here.
View the rest of mc.2’s offerings here.
mc.2’s showroom location: 33 Ubi Ave 3, #01-28/29/30, Vertex Building, Singapore 408868
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
