Wire mesh has been used for surface ground support in mining since the 1950s. Experimental studies have been conducted throughout the world. The response of the mesh is dependant on the sample size, the boundary restraint systems and the loading conditions. The Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) has developed a facility for the static testing of ground support elements. The static facility consists of several stiff steel frames used to support the sample and a screw feed jack used to load the sample. The sample is restrained on all sides and displaced at a constant rate by a screw feed jack. Instrumentation measures the displacement and the load being applied. The WASM dynamic test facility has been recently modified to enable the testing of surface support elements. Surface support element testing at the dynamic test facility will be conducted using sample sizes and boundary conditions similar to the static testing facility to enable the comparison of results between the two facilities. Two testing programs have been undertaken to assess the static and dynamic performance of welded wire and chain link mesh. The results of the test programs are presented and comparisons are made for the performance of the two types of mesh.