Many companies use a similiar headrail which allows the panels to stack behind each other. Except for levolor, there panels are stagered when drawn to one side so the panels don't stack behind each other. As far as materials, it's just a matter of taste. Price wise the brand names are more expensive. Many companies that sell blinds have developed there own brand. Some have a very good product. I included a link that explains more about panel tracks.

Here is a link that might be useful: panel track blinds

Hampton Bay is Ho De's own brand. They stand behind their brand big time. We had a bathroom faucet (Glacier Bay) go bad after three years and they replaced it. Their display model had the wrong plunger thingy on it so we thought they'd changed it a bit. Since the broken faucet was in a bathroom with two sinks they were going to replace both faucets for us. I thought it was odd they'd change just that so I looked in the box and found out they'd not changed so we took only the one faucet. We were told at the time they are that way with all their store brands.
We have many of their brands in our home and have been very happy with them all. Their priced great for the quality too.

Like every other store, Home Depot's customer service and installation service quality vary greatly depending on who you get. I had a screen door put on (my neighbor did, too, at the same time); the installers did a horrible job. Had to keep getting someone out to figure out why it did not shut properly (turns out they did not fit it properly to the frame of the door). It's a problem that reoccurs. So just beware of that if you're not self-installing the window treatments.

You should check is Penney's online--they sell some of the panel systems (and the very cool "solar" panel screens, if you are willing to go a little less traditional).

One of the other places that started to sell the panel track systems before other vendors was Smith + Noble (online, but they'll send samples of most everything). I've purchased from them a cordless cell window blind; I like it.

If you think you would have success installing these sliding panels yourself, you might also consider Ikea's panel track system, if you're not very far away from an Ikea. Basically you just buy the top track piece, which installs either on the wall or on the ceiling; get the top and bottom metal pieces that hold the long panel of fabric; and attach everything with their hardware. I started to do this, but I was not very patient with the tiny screws that hold the fabric in place!

PammyFay I was talking about the product itself. DrCindy didn't mention installation. Personally I'm a DIYer but if I were to hire someone to install something I think I'd find someone that friends had used and recommended. I have no clue how HoDe and/or Lowe's finds their installers/builders. Too scary for me.

I have ones that I purchased for a sliding glass door. Although I like the look, after about 6 months they had stretched out and I had to fold them up and glue them so they didn't drag on the floor. I would probably not buy them again if I were to redo them.

what type did you buy wgwb? the screen type or bamboo type, or ??

They were the bamboo type.

Wow, that's surprising. Where did you get them?

At Penneys. They are similar to the ones on the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: bamboo panels

Gosh, I've always had good luck with WTs I've bought from Penney's. You should have taken them back.

I've used Lutron's sliding window covers. Love 'em! They roll up and out of sight when opened, and glide on tight tracks (optionally by power & remote control) to completely seal off light. Want to catch a nap in the afternoon? It gets pitch black when closed.

Lee is this what you are talking about? They are awesome!

Here is a link that might be useful: Lutron sliding window covers

I have the bamboo sliding panels from Penney's. I have had them up for over 4 years, and have had not problems with them at all.

Thanks for the info everyone. I had a chance to see a full sized example of sliding panels in a fabric similar to one I'd liked in a sample book. But seeing it in real life was an eye opener. It looked very cheaply constructed and was just plain nasty! And this was from a company that quoted over $700! Instead, hubby and I liked the vertical cellulars and I'm in the process of getting quotes for those.

Yikes. You'd think for that price they'd be well made.
I found some vertical blinds free through Craigslist a while ago and plan to use them with fabric attached. I just haven't had the time to make the panels for them yet.