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A REVIew: The INception Designs Autococker and Marker Cases
These hold and gently protect your 'cocker
A common problem and question for autococker owners, and people who own their own gear in general, is what case to get for their equipment. In steps Simon Stevens, owner and operator of Inception Designs, with his take on the marker cases. In this review, I'll be looking at the Inception Designs Carbon Cases for both the Inception Markers and their generalized cases, both in stock form and what you can do to modify them.
What arrives at your door
What's in the Box?
The cases themselves are large with a carbon fiber exterior that feels almost like a flexible rubber. They are study yet have give to them, allowing the exterior shell to bend and move a slight bit, which can come in handy should your marker be wide enough to require it. Most markers probably won't need that kind of space in the case, but if you do then it's nice to know that it is there. On the outside of the case, there is a rubber Inception Designs inlaid patch sewn into the center of each side. Completing the exterior of the case is a zipper and two sewn on handle straps with a carbon fiber strap and velcro enclosure.
In the Case
The inside of each side of the case is a terry cloth or felt interior. This is true regardless of if you are getting the universal or Inception Designs specific marker cases. It's form fitted to carbon fiber exterior in Inception's signature red. There are also 5 velcro and elastic straps going across the body of the foam.
The cases themselves are large with a carbon fiber exterior that feels almost like a flexible rubber. They are study yet have give to them, allowing the exterior shell to bend and move a slight bit, which can come in handy should your marker be wide enough to require it. Most markers probably won't need that kind of space in the case, but if you do then it's nice to know that it is there. On the outside of the case, there is a rubber Inception Designs inlaid patch sewn into the center of each side. Completing the exterior of the case is a zipper and two sewn on handle straps with a carbon fiber strap and velcro enclosure.
In the Case
The inside of each side of the case is a terry cloth or felt interior. This is true regardless of if you are getting the universal or Inception Designs specific marker cases. It's form fitted to carbon fiber exterior in Inception's signature red. There are also 5 velcro and elastic straps going across the body of the foam.
Straps, Foam, and Microfiber all in place
What are my Options?
The foam itself is where the two cases differ. The Inception Design's cocker-specific cases have a hdu foam laser cut to fit their specific markers. That means any of Inception's cockers will specifically fit in in these cases with zero modifications.
The foam itself is where the two cases differ. The Inception Design's cocker-specific cases have a hdu foam laser cut to fit their specific markers. That means any of Inception's cockers will specifically fit in in these cases with zero modifications.
Cut with lasers for any Inception layout!
There are two sides to the case, with one side specifically cut for the marker itself. As I mentioned, it will fit Inception Cockers---any of them. They have cut it down in a modular fashion, with each section removable to fit whatever kind of Inception marker you are shooting. I will say that, even with these options, it is Inception-specific in the cut foam. That means most other cockers will not fit unless you managed to shadow their specific body layout with the stock foam. You would need to have no sight rail, similar frame shape, regulator shape, on/off, and body shape that matches theirs.
Pull the cut outs from the foam to fit your marker
A lot of cockers will fit in this case with some modifications to the foam. I'll go over the simple modifications you need and how to do it without turning your case into a clown show below. If you have an Inception cocker, this is definitely the case that you want. Even if you don't, in most cases yours will probably fit with a little work.
Will fit a full body with a pump!
The opposite side of the Inception-specific cases has cut outs for a stella kit, with 5 back slots and two tip slots. They fit very snugly, and keep the foam nice and firm while you have your backs and tips in place.
Rounding out the interior for each style of case is a red microfiber, which case either be used as a separator or pinned under the straps to protect one side. I tend to keep mine on on the side with the barrels, and just slide out what I need at any given time and keep the rest protected. It's a nice touch. The entire case will run you $60, all in.
Will support a full barrel kit, with insert back, two tips, and have space for tools
Different Strokes to Rule the World
If you don't have an Inception Autococker or you're afraid that your autococker won't fit, the universal case is the way to go. It uses an eggcrate foam style of padding, which may or may not be your cup of tea. Using the foam and the straps, you can strap your marker into place on one side. You can then strap down barrels or whatever you may have on the other side with the six straps, which may or may not move around when opening the case. Simon can't guess what everyone is packing in there. The microfiber can be used for protection or to hold things in place, and it does a pretty good job at that. This case retails for around $50.
If you don't have an Inception Autococker or you're afraid that your autococker won't fit, the universal case is the way to go. It uses an eggcrate foam style of padding, which may or may not be your cup of tea. Using the foam and the straps, you can strap your marker into place on one side. You can then strap down barrels or whatever you may have on the other side with the six straps, which may or may not move around when opening the case. Simon can't guess what everyone is packing in there. The microfiber can be used for protection or to hold things in place, and it does a pretty good job at that. This case retails for around $50.
Is your cocker oddly shaped? No problem with tear away foam, which you can get from just about anywhere. You have a computer. Google it.
How does it hold your junk?
So, how are they at holding and protecting your gear? For an Inception cocker, they are the gold standard. The HDU foam is extremely tough, and laser cut for your marker. It will be snug when it slides in, and will have zero room to bounce around. If there was a gripe, it would be that the barrel back area is actually a bit too tight in terms of length. It would help those of us with larger fingers to have a bit more wiggle room or grooves running into the sides of the back's cut out to slide a finger in and pop out the back. But that's definitely nit picking. You marker will fit like a glove.
So, how are they at holding and protecting your gear? For an Inception cocker, they are the gold standard. The HDU foam is extremely tough, and laser cut for your marker. It will be snug when it slides in, and will have zero room to bounce around. If there was a gripe, it would be that the barrel back area is actually a bit too tight in terms of length. It would help those of us with larger fingers to have a bit more wiggle room or grooves running into the sides of the back's cut out to slide a finger in and pop out the back. But that's definitely nit picking. You marker will fit like a glove.
Custom cut for extra pockets to store oil, tools, etc
They hold these markers extremely well, and there's really not a better case around for them. They are also extremely durable, literally able to withstand being run over by a car multiple times, as Simon has demonstrated. If you are getting an Inception Designs cocker new, you get one with your purchase.
If you have a WGP or other cocker, I've found that they work similarly well if you're willing to do some modding of the foam. I shoot R/T'ed autocockers, which require a longer beavertail and have the widest front blocks ever made. If they can fit in these cases, and they do, about any will fit. The big exceptions come in the form of anything with a drop forward or if your marker has an attached tank regulator like an Evolution, or if your marker is exceptionally tall.
For the Broader Audience
The universal cases are also nice, but I cannot hold them to the same standard for a major reason. These are broad spectrum cases, and won't hold another marker to the same level as the HDU foam. I say that because they aren't using that same density foam, nor is it laser cut, and Inception can't be expected to carry a foam for every marker out there. Your marker may move around a bit, and the same goes for the barrels and tools in there. They'll be held down as well as pressure from the straps and foam can manage, which is decently well. You have five straps to work with, which is actually a lot.
Super Glue and Sharp, Pointy Objects
Unless, like me, you cannot leave well enough alone. So how do you take your case to the next level, and make it awesome? Let me walk you through how to get more out of your case without spending much more at all.
If you have a WGP or other cocker, I've found that they work similarly well if you're willing to do some modding of the foam. I shoot R/T'ed autocockers, which require a longer beavertail and have the widest front blocks ever made. If they can fit in these cases, and they do, about any will fit. The big exceptions come in the form of anything with a drop forward or if your marker has an attached tank regulator like an Evolution, or if your marker is exceptionally tall.
For the Broader Audience
The universal cases are also nice, but I cannot hold them to the same standard for a major reason. These are broad spectrum cases, and won't hold another marker to the same level as the HDU foam. I say that because they aren't using that same density foam, nor is it laser cut, and Inception can't be expected to carry a foam for every marker out there. Your marker may move around a bit, and the same goes for the barrels and tools in there. They'll be held down as well as pressure from the straps and foam can manage, which is decently well. You have five straps to work with, which is actually a lot.
Super Glue and Sharp, Pointy Objects
Unless, like me, you cannot leave well enough alone. So how do you take your case to the next level, and make it awesome? Let me walk you through how to get more out of your case without spending much more at all.
So much space for activities!
For the Inception cocker users, this really isn't complicated. The HDU foam is extremely dense, and perfect for cutting out shapes while still maintaining structural integrity. This means that you can cut out pretty much any small shape in your case to hold your extra tools or lubes. In this case, you can see that I cut out a handful of shapes.
Doing this allowed for me to put a muffler tip in so that I can tune my marker without having to hit a chrono or netted area at the field and do it paint free. I also cut out an area for oil and for my allen keys, and because this has an Annihilation kit on the marker, also cut an area for the extended beavertail.
The same principle applies to most autocockers. If you need a little more space, you can easily solve the problem with a couple quick cuts. I used a bread knife, and it worked beautifully (note: not responsible for you hurting yourself if you can't be trusted with sharp objects---that's a you problem, not me).
Because I did not want the case to be floppy or tools to be bouncing around, I also did a small trick in cutting those cut outs in half, then re-gluing them back in place with superglue. That allows for the case to still hold it's form, but have pockets for your gear. With this case, I can not only hold my marker and barrel kit, but also basics to keep the gun up and running at the field. Simple fix.
Doing this allowed for me to put a muffler tip in so that I can tune my marker without having to hit a chrono or netted area at the field and do it paint free. I also cut out an area for oil and for my allen keys, and because this has an Annihilation kit on the marker, also cut an area for the extended beavertail.
The same principle applies to most autocockers. If you need a little more space, you can easily solve the problem with a couple quick cuts. I used a bread knife, and it worked beautifully (note: not responsible for you hurting yourself if you can't be trusted with sharp objects---that's a you problem, not me).
Because I did not want the case to be floppy or tools to be bouncing around, I also did a small trick in cutting those cut outs in half, then re-gluing them back in place with superglue. That allows for the case to still hold it's form, but have pockets for your gear. With this case, I can not only hold my marker and barrel kit, but also basics to keep the gun up and running at the field. Simple fix.
V1 Case with tools and oil pockets cut in using a bread knife and super glue
Make it AWESOME
So, how do you do this for the universal case? It was $10 cheaper than the Inception-specific cases. Use that $10 to go get the tear-away foam with the small foam squares, get get the most dense kind you can find. Tear out the shapes for the top and bottom of the case, erring on the side of too-big rather than too-small. For the marker, tear out your shape and load it on in there. Again, you can use the half-tearing trick to keep some padded areas in the case or to maintain a little structural integrity. I used it for this marker because this cocker's profile is very unique.
So, how do you do this for the universal case? It was $10 cheaper than the Inception-specific cases. Use that $10 to go get the tear-away foam with the small foam squares, get get the most dense kind you can find. Tear out the shapes for the top and bottom of the case, erring on the side of too-big rather than too-small. For the marker, tear out your shape and load it on in there. Again, you can use the half-tearing trick to keep some padded areas in the case or to maintain a little structural integrity. I used it for this marker because this cocker's profile is very unique.
V2 case with tear away foam to hold a R/T Twister snugly
For the other side, I wanted to fit a barrel, a full set of freak inserts, and a tool kit, and will be adding grease down the line. To do that and maintain structural integrity, I went back to the tear out, cut, and replace well. I did the same thing I would do with the HDU foam, and did it with all the freak inserts. It worked incredibly well, again. No floppy foam, and holds everything as it should. Once I put the red microfiber in the straps, nothing moved at all. All my stuff in one place, and protected extremely well.
Tear away foam holds all the things!
Conclusions
Would I recommend the Inception Designs gun cases? Yes, I would. They are definitely not the cheapest, but they are really well made and do the job at a high level. For an Inception Cocker Owner, grab a Inception-specific HDU case and don't look back. For owners of other markers, they may need a bit of work depending on what you want out of your gear. I want mine to hold everything for minor breakdowns, as well as the gun and your barrel kit. If you're willing to spend an hour or so to really make your case perfect for you, these cases are amazing.
Would I recommend the Inception Designs gun cases? Yes, I would. They are definitely not the cheapest, but they are really well made and do the job at a high level. For an Inception Cocker Owner, grab a Inception-specific HDU case and don't look back. For owners of other markers, they may need a bit of work depending on what you want out of your gear. I want mine to hold everything for minor breakdowns, as well as the gun and your barrel kit. If you're willing to spend an hour or so to really make your case perfect for you, these cases are amazing.
A case to take everything I need for a day of play
Here is Simon's video describing the cases!
