Among the various kinds of wire produced wire mesh, hexagonal double twist was chosen as the best one for the structural needs of gabions: The HEXAGONAL SHAPE of the mesh provides a better distribution of the working tensions along the wires that form the mesh. Mesh resistance to tension along its transversal direction (to the twists) is approximately 50% less than that in its longitudinal direction, parallel to the twists.

Double twist avoids spreading of the damage caused by the accidental breaking of any wire or mesh. The wire can either be coated with heavy Zinc coating or Galmac coating, the two types of coating may then be coated with plastic. The Galmac and Plastic coated wires may last for 120 years in aggressive environments.