Not every customer asking for chain link privacy slats is asking for the same thing. Some want the most affordable option that still improves the look of a fence. Others want the highest privacy level a chain link fence can offer. And some fall somewhere in between, wanting good coverage without paying for features they will not use. PrivacyLink offers three distinct slat systems built around exactly this range of customer needs, and knowing the differences between them helps dealers recommend the right product the first time instead of dealing with a swap or a complaint later.
Here is a breakdown of EZ Slats, Ultimate Slats, and Bottom Locking Slats, and where each one fits best.
EZ Slats: The Budget-Friendly Option
EZ Slats are shaped like an M and secure at the bottom of the fence using a bottom locking system. They are one of the most affordable privacy slats on the market, which makes them a strong fit for customers who care more about improving the overall look of a fence than achieving maximum privacy.
The design is lightweight and compact enough that the slats stack on themselves during storage, and a package about the size of a standard 2×4 covers roughly 10 linear feet of fence. That makes EZ Slats easy to store and ship for dealers who move volume regularly. Installation is simple as well. Crews slide the slats into the wire vertically and snap them into the bottom locking channel, which keeps labor time low on larger jobs.
This is the product to recommend when a customer’s budget is the primary concern, or when the job calls for a color update and some visual screening rather than full seclusion. It is also a good fit for lighter-duty residential fencing where the customer is not necessarily trying to block a direct sightline into their yard.
Ultimate Slats: Built for Serious Privacy
Ultimate Slats sit at the opposite end of the spectrum from EZ Slats. Each slat is engineered with four wings that lock securely into the chain link mesh, and the result is a privacy factor of approximately 98 percent on 2-inch mesh and around 90 percent on 2 1/4 inch mesh, depending on the wire and stretch tension used.
The rigid, flat tubular body with internal legs gives Ultimate Slats a sturdier feel than a standard slat, and the double wall design adds durability without sacrificing appearance. Because there are no serrations on the wings, the finished look tends to be cleaner and more refined, which matters for customers who care about curb appeal as much as they care about privacy.
Installation involves inserting a patented locking strip horizontally into the second diamond down from the top, then sliding the slats vertically until they snap into that strip. It takes a bit more setup than EZ Slats, but the payoff is a slat that locks in securely and holds up well over time.
Ultimate Slats are the right recommendation when a customer explicitly asks for maximum privacy, when a property borders a busy street or a neighbor at close range, or when a commercial client wants a fence that reads as a true privacy barrier rather than a decorative upgrade to an existing chain link fence.
Bottom Locking Slats: The Middle Ground
Bottom Locking Slats fall between the two, offering a privacy factor of approximately 75 percent based on wire and mesh tension. Installation involves inserting the locking channel horizontally through the bottom of the fence, then sliding the slats vertically from top to bottom until they lock automatically into place.
This product is a solid recommendation for customers who want more coverage than EZ Slats provide but do not need the near-total privacy of Ultimate Slats. It also tends to appeal to customers who like the idea of a self-locking installation process similar to EZ Slats, but want a slightly higher level of screening for the finished fence.
Matching the Product to the Actual Job
A few questions can help narrow down which slat system fits a given customer:
What is driving the request?
If a customer simply wants their chain link fence to look better and less industrial, EZ Slats usually solve that problem at the lowest cost. If the goal is genuine privacy from a neighbor or street, Ultimate Slats are worth the extra installation time.
What is the budget?
EZ Slats remain the most cost-effective option for dealers working with price-sensitive customers, while Ultimate Slats represent a premium tier that customers with a larger budget or a clear privacy need will often accept without hesitation.
Is this residential or commercial?
Commercial customers, particularly those fencing off equipment yards, dumpster areas, or property lines near public sightlines, tend to lean toward Ultimate Slats or Bottom Locking Slats for the added coverage. Residential customers updating a backyard fence for appearance alone are frequently well served by EZ Slats.
How much installation time is available?
EZ Slats and Bottom Locking Slats both use straightforward locking systems that keep labor time down, which matters on jobs with tight schedules or larger linear footage to cover.
Helping Your Team Make the Right Call
For dealers training newer sales staff or installation crews, having a clear answer to which slat fits which situation removes a lot of guesswork from the sales conversation. Customers appreciate a recommendation that is tied to their actual goals rather than a single default product offered to everyone regardless of need.
If your team wants physical samples to show customers side by side, or has questions about which product fits a specific project on your schedule, our team is glad to help. You can request a product catalog to browse the full slat lineup, or reach out for a quote on your next order.
