Custom gear information

Gear forum

Posted on Oct. 3, 2015, 11:53 p.m. by Epochalyptik

This will be our main thread for discussing where to find custom gear and which companies (or individuals!) make the best quality stuff.

This thread will include custom playmats, sleeves, and deck boxes. It will not include "standard-issue" offerings from companies like Ultra-Pro or Monster. Custom gear only, please!

The original post (this one) will be updated as people mention companies or offer their own services.


Custom Playmats



Custom Sleeves



Custom Deck Boxes


Remember, you can suggest items for inclusion in the above lists.

EmblemMan says... #2

I dont know what qualifies as custom deck boxes but aaron cain makes beautiful wood deck boxes that are customizable to almost any specification. Here is a link to his facebook which is where he does most of his business

October 3, 2015 11:58 p.m.

Epochalyptik says... #3

That's exactly what we're looking for! Added.

October 4, 2015 12:01 a.m.

The best custom deck boxes are made from duct tape.

In all seriousness, what do players look for in deck boxes? I've crafted one out of wood (and many out of duct tape) for myself and am rather pleased with it, but it weighs a ton. Now that I'm familiar with CAD, I'd like to start a side project of designing a personalized deck box that I may be able to print some day. What are the best aspects of your deck box? What can be improved?

October 4, 2015 12:07 a.m.

EmblemMan says... #5

ducttapedeckbox do you mean a regular deck box that has custom art or custom deck box completely

October 4, 2015 12:11 a.m.

Epochalyptik says... #6

That reminds me that my University just got a bunch of 3D printers. Hmm...

Anyway, here's what a good deckbox must include:
- Hard shell to prevent breakage of either box or contents.
- Sufficient space for one deck, including sideboard and necessary tokens.
- Solid closure. No weak clasps or easy-open magnetic tops (Ultra-Pro, you know your sins).

Here's what it may optionally include:
- Separate space for tokens/sideboard to keep them physically separated from main deck.
- Compartment for dice.
- Life counters.
- Compartments for additional decks.
- Nice designs on the exterior.

If you really wanted something neat, maybe you could design a horizontal deckbox with some divots in the top that allow you to use spindowns without them shifting at all. The horizontal design would be more stable when the box is set on a table.

October 4, 2015 12:15 a.m.

I'm thinking of creating my own deck box from scratch. Designing it in CAD, and likely customizing it with a raised Island symbol or something. Properly put this mechanical and aerospace engineering degree to use, right?

The downside of printing a deck box will be the physical appearance. The plastic from the printers is strong and durable, but cannot be customized with color. It has the benefit of exact dimensions (which could also be achieved by a skilled craftsman, but I don't have that experience). I'll have to work on a closing mechanism that doesn't plastically deform but is strong enough to hold the box closed. I really like the spindown holder idea Epoch, I also place my die on top of my box and it rolls as soon as someone breathes. Being able to hold dice in a separate compartment also appeals to me, as does having a display hole in the front to see the cards.

I have some exams this week, but I'll work on some ideas and post them next weekend.

October 4, 2015 12:27 a.m. Edited.

Epochalyptik says... #8

Well, the plastic itself comes in many colors. You can also paint it or use vinyl dye or another coloring agent depending on the material.

As for latches, you could always mount your own latches to make the process simpler.

It would be pretty cool if you could do a custom box with hedron patterns on it. See this or this or this.

However, I don't want to get too far off topic. This thread is really meant to find or offer custom gear. If you're planning to design your own, you should use a new thread to discuss the process and the design and then post here if you plan to offer your designs or manufacturing to others users.

October 4, 2015 12:43 a.m.

EmblemMan says... #9

Speaking of hedron deck boxes....this company makes deck boxes modeled after mtg and other things they arent custom exactly because you cant request things I dont think but they are different. This is the hedron deck box

October 4, 2015 12:53 a.m.

gnarlicide says... #10

I recently bought a spin down D20 from some 3d printing website, I will have to post it tomorrow for you all. Granted I spent 60 bucks on a life counter dice, but I am a Jund player in modern, and we all know they have nothing better to blow their money on. Lol. Seriously, it's a solid steel black anodized dice made to look like a 20 sided pile of skulls. I have commissioned my wife to create a tiny maroon velvet pillow to rest it on, complete with little yellow tassels. Dead serious.

Every other custom item I have: dice boxes (mine is a coffin), alter art cards, play mats and shirts I just make on my own or have my friend make (his family owns a custom t shirt shop, so they make shirts and Play mats)

October 4, 2015 1:28 a.m.

Here is something I do with my extra cards...

D20 Life Counter made from MTG cards!

October 6, 2015 8:22 p.m.

Mtg D20 Christmas Ornament made by hand out of Magic the Gathering cards, a lil' ink & printer paper, copper wire, some adhesives and a bit of time.

Mtg D20 Life Counter made by hand out of Magic the Gathering cards, a lil' ink & printer paper, some adhesives and a bit of time.

October 6, 2015 11:49 p.m.

Femme_Fatale says... #13

Epochalyptik, I suggest you view TCC's videos for more links as to the best custom gear (Liefkicker, Aron Cain etc), and to link his reviews on the products as well.

December 1, 2015 2:44 p.m.

Hon35tAb3 says... #14

eROLJ.com has amazing custom playmays!

January 2, 2016 12:53 a.m.

Profet93 says... #15

Does anyone else know of some other cool custom gear or unique MTG accessories? I've been trying to find unique stuff for commander specifically.

I came across this on Etsy, I bought it and I must say it's pretty good Commander Life/Tax Counter

Purple Heart Paint Engraving

December 13, 2017 2:31 p.m.

Profet93 says... #16

Custom (Foil) Playmats - Haven't used the service but I've heard good things about them

Custom Wooden Deckboxes - Highly recommended! A bit pricey but worth every penny, just be sure to spellcheck prior to engraving, as he does not

My Custom Foil Playmat from XVII Creative Endeavors LLC - More expensive than previous option mentioned, takes MUCH longer, but its a better foiling technique and it is done by hand. Much more options for customization as well. HIGHLY recommended!

There are other accessories to mention to, just lmk.

August 2, 2020 10:05 p.m.

DemonDragonJ says... #17

Has anyone here seen this commander tray from Reality Foundry? Another player at the local game store where I play had one, so I ordered one for myself, as well, and it is amazing! It was absolutely worth the price that I paid for it, and I highly recommend it for anyone who plays EDH format.

October 10, 2020 10:36 p.m.

I have been using a website called Yeggi to search for .stl files to 3D Print my deck boxes, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for other websites to look. I'd be willing to pay a few dollars for the download if necessary.

January 16, 2021 5:10 p.m.

Astanashar says... #19

I found this company name in my LGS, selling wargames terrain. On their website it's possible to make your own custom mats, so I thought I'd drop a link here :D https://www.deepcutstudio.com/

-[ A ]-

March 9, 2022 10:58 a.m.

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