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“Cajun Custom Rods - Frequently Asked Questions”
We know there’s always a question or two that folks have and we’ve tried to consolidate those that have come up more than twice. That said, if you have a question that you don’t see below or didn’t get your questioned answered in full, please feel free to drop us a line at info@cajuncustomrods.com. Go ahead, give it a try - just click on a topic listed below.
o “What does it cost to ship my Cajun Custom Rod to me?"
o “When you ship my rod, will it be insured in case of damage enroute?”
o “Can I find additional or tracking information about my rod once its been shipped?”
- Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee.
o “What is the Cajun Custom Rods Personal Satisfaction Guarantee?”
o “What is the Warranty and Terms of Agreement for a Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “What is the best way to take care of my Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “Is there ever any maintenance that I should perform on my Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “Where should I store my Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “How should I travel with my Cajun Custom Rod?”
- Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod.
o “Can the way I fish damage my Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “How should I retrieve my lure if I get it snagged?”
o “What is high-sticking and can it damage my rod?”
o “Can I use line ratings other than what is listed on my Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “Is it dangerous to fish with my Cajun Custom Rod in a thunderstorm?”
o “Can my Cajun Custom Rod epoxy crack?”
- About Your Cajun Custom Rod.
o “Where are Cajun Custom Rods made?”
o “What is rod action and rod taper?”
o “What’s the difference between a slow and a fast rod action?”
o “What is rod power?”
o “What is the Individual Fitting Process?”
o “What happens if my rod breaks?”
o “How long will it take to build my Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “What is a custom fishing rod?”
o “Why should I buy a Cajun Custom Rod?”
o “Quality of a custom fishing rod versus an that of an off-the-shelf rod?”
o “Is a custom fishing rod more expensive than an off-the-shelf rod?”
o “What is graphite?”
o “What is modulus and what is modulus rating?”
o “What is used to bond the graphite on a fishing rod?”
o “What is rod spline?”
o “Do the number of guides and the guide-spacing affect rod performance?”
o “So what is so important about rod component selection?”
o “Why is rod guide set up important?”
o “What is rod balance?”
o “Do fishing rod aesthetics really matter?”
Shipping and Handling.
“What does it cost to ship my Cajun Custom Rod to me?”
At CCR, we use FEDEX for both domestic and international shipping and the shipping rates will vary pending the final destination, parcel weight/dimension, and method (or speed) of your required delivery. Once you decide to purchase a Cajun Custom Rod, you’ll be directed to fill out your order form and select your shipping preference. In the pull down menu, the price for each method will be displayed, allotting you full control to balance affordability versus speed of delivery. The shipping rates provided are the actual shipping rates that we receive direct from FEDEX and already include associated "special handling" to ensure that your Cajun Custom Rod is delivered expeditiously.
(Back to Shipping and Handling)
“When you ship my rod, will it be insured in case of damage enroute?”
Every Cajun Custom Rod is shipped with the actual declared value (i.e., the price of the finished rod). This declared value is automatically included when you select the shipping method or rate from the shipping drop down menu. This declared value ensures that your rod is insured from us to you ... just in case the unexpected occurs. Please understand that CCR, Inc. is not responsible for lost or damaged packages once shipped. CCR, Inc. shall provide you with a FEDEX shipping and tracking number by which you can locate and track “real time” the Cajun Custom Rod you ordered … from our shop directly to the final destination that you selected. In the event that an order is lost or worst case, damaged, the declared value (automatically included in your order) is how we are able to file the claim with FEDEX and ensure that we're able to recoup the loss and ensure your Cajun Custom Rod is "rebuilt" and shipped to you as soon as possible.
(Back to Shipping and Handling)
“Can I find additional tracking information about my rod once its been shipped?”
As soon as your Cajun Custom Rod/items are shipped you will receive an e-mail notification and a FEDEX tracking number so you can check the shipping status at any time. You can go to FEDEX.com directly and enter your tracking number to view shipment status. If you have other questions about shipping, handling, or rates please contact us at: info@cajuncustomrods.com.
(Back to Shipping and Handling)
Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee.
“What is the Cajun Custom Rods Personal Satisfaction Guarantee?”
CCR, Inc. will refund your money on any purchase that isn't 100% satisfactory. We believe in our products and prior to shipping your rod, each Cajun Custom Rod enjoys a rigorous Quality Assurance regime to ensure that each rod is perfect. If for some reason you receive your rod and are not 100% satisfied, immediately contact us and we’ll ensure that your concerns are addressed.
For whatever the reason, if your rod must be returned to Cajun Custom Rods, please contact us first at:
Email: info@cajuncustomrods.com
Phone (US): (904)-738-0301 / (904)-419-RODS
We would ask that you give us the chance to “make it right” before immediately returning your rod. We’ll make sure that “no additional shipping costs are incurred by you in the refund process.”
(Back to Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee)
“What is the Warranty and Terms of Agreement for a Cajun Custom Rod?”
Product Care.
“What is the best way to take care of my Cajun Custom Rod?”
Like anything else you own, your custom crafted CCR rod will provide you with the longest possible enjoyment if it is properly cared for from the very beginning. Here are a few suggestions for keeping your new purchase looking and performing at it's best.
- Wash the rod down in warm water after the days use. This is particularly important if you fish in saltwater. Use a little soap and water and a soft brush or cloth to remove any "fish stuff" or salt. The frame of any guide (aside from top of the line Titanium guides) may begin to rust over time if exposed to salt water and not properly cleaned after each use.
- Dry your rod completely. Stand the rod up vertically (in a corner or against a wall) for a few hours to let the residual moisture dry and evaporate. Keep the rod well supported during storage and keep in a cool, dry place.
- Remove the reel prior to storage as corrosion can build up on the reel feet under the hoods.
- Place your rod in its Weezer Rod Sock after its completely dry. Don’t keep the rod in the bag if moisture is prevalent in your area as mold or mildew could occur.
(Back to Product Care)
“Is there ever any maintenance that I should perform on my Cajun Custom Rod?”
Yes. As with any piece of equipment, a general maintenance check should be performed every so often to identify any potential material condition issues. Check the guides occasionally for signs of wear or dirt build-up and cracked or missing inserts, especially the rod tip. Worn guides will cause the line to fray, leading to a broken line and a lost fish. The easiest way to check for grooving or sharp edges is to run nylons through the guides (use an old pair guys). If the nylons catch on the guide, its a sure sign of wear.
(Back to Product Care)
“Where should I store my Cajun Custom Rod?”
After rinsing your rod down, provide ample time to allow your rod to completely dry. Once dried, store your rods in its Weezer Rod Sock to keep dust and dirt out of your guides. Stand the rod up vertically, keeping the rod well supported during storage and keep in a cool, dry place. Keep your rod up and out of the reach of children and pets. Dogs love to chew on cork, cats play with everything, and children (bless their hearts) destroy anything even remotely expensive. You’d be amazed at how strong a 3 year old is when it comes to grasping a rod tip the wrong way … or how quickly your favorite Cajun Custom Rod becomes King Arthur’s Excalibur sword for dueling. Use care when placing or removing rods from storage compartments so as not to catch the guides on the way in or out. Many a guide has been damaged or destroyed by carelessly placing and removing rods from storage compartments.
(Back to Product Care)
“How should I travel with my Cajun Custom Rod?”
Always transport your rod in its Weezer Rod Sock, inside a solid travel case, or boat locker. When traveling, place your rods in its Weezer Rod Sock with additional padding around the tip, inside a hard case. Vibration actually damages more rods than a sudden impact. Your Weezer Rod Sock will help to dampen the vibrations, and the hard case makes both a convenient carrying tool and protects your rod against sudden impacts.
Use your hard case and Weezer Rod Socks all the way to the river, lake, or boat. More than one rod has been broken or had a guide bent while transiting from the car to the on the way to "that secret spot." It goes without saying; don’t use your rod in the place of a boat paddle, flagpole, or boat-poling stick.
(Back to Product Care)
Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod.
“Can the way I fish damage my Cajun Custom Rod?”
Absolutely. Never wind your lure all the way to the rod tip. By doing so, you’ll prevent damage to the rod tip. Always use your rod hook keepers to stow lures when not in use. If a guide is used, there exists possibility that the metal on metal contact will scratch your rod guide insert and could lead to line fray and having to tell about “the one that got away.”
Only use your Cajun Custom Rod with line and lures that fall within the limits specified by the blank manufacturer (labeled on the side of each rod). Using heavier line and cranking down the drag may easily result in unexpected rod breakage, particularly with graphite rods that are less tolerant of abuse than fiberglass.
(Back to Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“How should I retrieve my lure if I get it snagged?”
When a lure gets snagged, line the rod up with the snag (front guide with rear guide) and pull directly back on the rod. “DO NOT LOAD YOUR ROD UP BY BENDING THE ROD,” as this places the stress on the rod. You want to place the stress on the reel and when retrieving that favorite lure. Worst case, your fishing line will break before your rod. As much as I like repeat customers, I'm sure you would rather replace a $5 lure than your CCR rod.
(Back to Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is high-sticking and can it damage my rod?”
All rods, particularly graphite rods, are at risk of breakage if the rod is "high-sticked.” High-sticking occurs when the tip of the rod is raised too high. Essentially, the weaker rod tip section bears too much of the load breaks. Avoid High-Sticking at all costs as this is one of the most common causes of breakage and is 100% angler-caused.
(Back to Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Can I use line ratings other than what is listed on my Cajun Custom Rod?”
“Is it dangerous to fish with my Cajun Custom Rod in a thunderstorm?”
Yes. Put your rod away in a thunderstorm. Graphite is an excellent conductor of electricity, and the fish will still be there later. Plus, last thing you want is to be that guy … you know the one in the joke, “Question: What’s the difference between a fisherman in thunderstorm and a light bulb? Answer: Nothing … both get to be bright lights, except the fisherman only gets to do it once.”
(Back to Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Can my Cajun Custom Rod epoxy crack?”
Occasionally, small stress cracks may eventually develop in the finish near the ends of the guide feet. This is due to the blank being much more flexible than the guide foot. On every Cajun Custom Rod, guide feet are ground to a shallow taper, thinned as much as possible, and polished in an effort to minimize this effect. Multiple overwraps may be used in certain cases to minimize this effect as well. However, in some cases, this phenomenon is virtually unavoidable. Do not be alarmed if this should occur as it is mainly cosmetic and will not affect the rod's performance. Also, keeping a good coat of wax on the rod at all times will help to prevent water intrusion over time. In the event that a crack occurs that is beyond your personal tolerance, please contact us at: info@cajuncustomrods.com and we’ll work with you to make it right.
(Back to Protecting Against Damage to Your Cajun Custom Rod)
About Your Cajun Custom Rod.
“Where are Cajun Custom Rods made?”
All Cajun Custom Rods are designed and assembled in the USA from the very best, quality blanks and components available worldwide, both domestic and international. Our rods are all hand-made to order in our state-of-the-art workshop based in Omaha, Nebraska. All Cajun Custom Rod orders are filled as quickly as possible on a “first-come-first-serve” orders received basis. When we begin your custom rod, we stick with your rod and only your rod; we don't stop until your rod is completed ... and that's what it means when we say, "Custom designed ... one at a time."
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is rod action and rod taper?”
Action and taper refer to the way a rod blank bends and all high-modulus graphite rods have a design envelope that is very specific to its intended use. The tip action of any rod ultimately determines the casting accuracy. At Cajun Custom Rods, we tailor blank actions (where the blank flexes under load) to the specific fishing application.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What’s the difference between slow and fast rod action?”
A slow-action blank is less accurate than it's fast action counter-part, but more forgiving for large fish and light line. Also, a slow rod action (or sometimes referred to as ‘soft’ action) will cushion the line, allowing the use of lighter lines to catch larger fish.
Fast action blanks are stiffer in the butt-section of the rod and are usually more powerful, providing better casting accuracy and helping to move fish away from cover or other obstructions. Though fishing rods with fast action will not bend to extremes, they do increase your “command” over the fish.
For example, most bass fishing rod actions are usually rated fast to extra fast because this action generally provides better sensitivity and faster power for hook setting. Moderate and moderate-fast rods will usually provide a little more casting distance and still provide adequate hook-setting power. Normally, the type of lure you use will determine the action of the rod you should use.
Some examples of common fishing rod actions follow:
• Extra Fast: Rod flex occurs in the upper 1/4 of the rod blank
• Fast: Rod flex occurs in the upper 1/3 of the rod blank
• Moderate: Rod flex occurs in the upper 1/2 of the rod blank
• Slow: Rod flex occurs from the lower 1/3 of the rod blank to the rod tip
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is rod power?”
Rod power is the amount of energy or force required making a rod blank bend. General rod power ratings are as follows:
- Ultra-light
- Light
- Medium Light
- Magnum Light
- Magnum Medium
- Medium
- Medium Heavy
- Heavy
- Magnum Heavy
- Extra Heavy
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is the Individual Fitting Process?”
There is no such thing as an "all-around, do everything, catch anything” fishing rod. Cajun Custom Rods are designed and built to meet your specific angling requirements. In order to ensure that your rod is truly a best-fit fishing rod for you, please use the Individual Fitting Process, which will provide a recommend best-fit custom fishing rod based on your design specifications and expected level of rod performance.
If you know what your fishing technique and performance demands are in advance and are familiar with your specific fishing requirements, please Build-A-Rod now.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What happens if my rod breaks?”
If your rod breaks for no apparent reason soon after purchase, it may be covered under our warranty provisions. If you have broken your rod through your own error or by accident, the Cajun Custom Rod “Non-Warranted Policy” will apply. In ANY case, the entire rod, or as much of it as possible, MUST be returned to Cajun Custom Rods prior to any claims being recognized.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“How long will it take to build my Cajun Custom Rod?”
At Cajun Custom Rods, most rod orders are shipped within 14 days from receipt of the order, depending on availability of components and any rod order back-log. Once your order is received, your rod components are collected and your rod assembly begins. CCR, Inc. does not order prioritize your rod. When your order is received, we begin building your rod. In the event that there is known delay in our shipment, we contact you immediately. Finally, you can expect CCR to contact you approximately 1-2 weeks after your rod arrives … just to be sure that everything is “spot on” and you are “100% satisfied.”
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is a custom fishing rod?”
Unlike all the thousands of rods that are sold off the shelf, a custom rod is produced to your specifications. In simplest terms, this equates to "freedom of choice" in your fishing rod design. What makes a "custom fishing rod" truly custom is the level of detail, care, attention, and most importantly ... balancing and tuning ... that is performed on your "one-of-a-kind" fishing rod. Make no mistake, what you've fished in the past (i.e., an "off-the-shelf" rod) and a Cajun Custom Rod ... there is no comparison - a CCR custom fishing rod is handcrafted to fit you and your angling requirements.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Why should I buy a Cajun Custom Rod?”
The casual angler will probably get along just fine with production fishing rods. The more serious the angler becomes about the art of fishing, the more demanding and targeted his or her needs become in terms of equipment and performance. The serious angler will appreciate the benefits of a custom crafted fishing rod for its optimum performance, targeted action for specific needs, superior construction, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These are the reasons I started building my own rods and the reasons why custom fishing rods are becoming more and more popular. There is no better gift for the avid angler than a Cajun Custom Rod.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Quality of a custom fishing rod versus an that of an off-the-shelf rod?”
Quality is by far the biggest difference between a custom fishing rod and an “off the shelf fishing rod.” A company that mass-produces fishing rods needs to create the largest profit margin on each rod possible. In order to do that, some shortcuts are necessary. Blanks and guides are not tested on each blank to determine the optimum positioning (nor can they mate a particular reel and line combination to them); instead, an average spacing is determined despite the fact that no two rods (even within a production run) are exactly the same. Each custom rod we build is both static (for stress distribution) and dynamically (for best casting performance) tested.
Some (not all) manufacturers also cut corners on components. Smaller and fewer numbers of guides are often used on rods to save a few cents. A two-cent savings on each rod adds up over a production run. Others use components that may look like their name-brand counterparts, but are of considerably less quality. You always know what we're putting on your custom build rod, because you select the rod component (with specific description to include visual representation) before building your rod. And at Cajun Custom Rods, the only rod components we offer are those premium components from leading rod component manufacturers.
The advantage to not working at a large company, is that our rod builder is actually assembling and crafting your and only your Cajun Custom Rod, i.e., we build one rod at a time. So, in this example, focus does equate to quality of construction. Unlike the factory rod, a custom rod is built to accommodate your requirements and desires – your rod, your way. See for yourself: Cajun Custom Rod versus off-the-shelf.
A custom fishing rod says many things about its owner. It marks the person as an angler who takes his or her sport seriously. It also says that one places quality and craftsmanship at the top of their list and appreciates the best. A Cajun Custom Rod is demonstrates pride of ownership for the individual angler.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Is a custom fishing rod more expensive than an off-the-shelf rod?”
In most cases, a custom fishing rod will be slightly more expensive than an off-the-shelf rod. However, a custom rod will likely exhibit superior construction, higher quality components, and can be customized to suit the most discriminating angler. For the serious angler, the cost difference is likely to be a moot point. In as much, Cajun Custom Rods goes to extraordinary lengths to price our rods at a comparable market value so that folks can own their very own custom fishing rod as opposed to spending the same money on an “off the shelf rod.” In fact, we challenge you to locate an "off-the-shelf" rod and compare that rod to your CCR design ... you'll soon discover that your Cajun Custom Rod design is by far a premium fishing rod ... and at significantly better value!
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is graphite?”
Simply put, graphite is a carbon fiber material containing micro graphite crystals. When these crystals are combined with certain resins, epoxies, and other textile materials, they combine to produce the graphite filaments that are used in rod blank production.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is modulus and what is modulus rating?”
Modulus is the term referring to the elasticity of the graphite – how much the material can be deformed and come back to its original shape. It is the relationship between stress (the applied force per square inch) and strain (the amount of deformation that the force causes per square inch). You can think of modulus as stiffness. The modulus rating refers to the overall modulus of the material.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is used to bond the graphite on a fishing rod?”
Resin is an adhesive that is combined with graphite fiber to create the material that is used for graphite rod production. Most manufactures utilize a combination of rubber materials and thermoplastics. This combination allows for greater bonding power of the graphite fibers and also aids in the overall flex, hoop strength and impact resistance of the rod blank.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is rod spline?”
Most rods blanks, when put under a load, torque or twist into a position of “static comfort.” The outside of this curve is referred to as the rod’s “spine”. Every rod has a backbone, or “spine” that naturally seeks to support static or dynamic forces or loads. In order to achieve maximum efficiency and load support across the length of a rod, each rod must be “hand-splined” to locate the backbone for the correct and exact placement of the guides. This allows the rod to load and flex properly without causing torque or “tip-to-butt roll", thus insuring the full action and strength of the rod is maximized.
At Cajun Custom Rods, we build using the “dynamic” spine which includes the static and the dynamic effects of casting and fighting a fish. We spine orient our rods to achieve optimum performance in casting and fish fighting abilities.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Do the number of guides and the guide-spacing affect rod performance?”
Most definitely. Over the years, the most emphasis on rods has been placed on blanks and materials. With this emphasis, the importance of guides has been ignored. Even a blank crafted from the lighter and stronger fibers of today cannot deliver optimum performance without the right guides. As such, how those guides are placed on the rod blank, specifically, the distance between guide placements is critical towards improving the rods ability to transmit subtle signals from the line to the angler.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“So what is so important about rod component selection?”
Quality components affect fit and function, the longevity and durability of your rod as well as its “cast-ability.” More specifically, quality components, due to reduced friction and proper placement, produce dramatic improvements in your Cajun Custom Rod. Careful de-burring, polishing, and guide foot adjustment all reduce “guide abrasion” against your rod blank, and improve the durability of your custom rod. Reel seat type and placement are important for the fit and function of a rod. Proper sizing along with the aesthetic attributes of all the rods components are important. Careful attention to these and other small details are beyond the economics of mass manufacturing.
Finally, don’t be confused by components that “look” the same. The quality of cork rings used in the cork handle and their fit will become very evident as the rod is fished. Line guides placement, size and type selection all are important for over all performance, durability, fit, and functionality of a rod. The guide weight, guide ring smoothness, and hardness of the ring material, corrosion resistance, and how the inserts are mounted and glued are not readily seen. True quality more than offsets the small cost increase of high quality components.
Overall weight is a significant factor for virtually all rods, component selection is a vital part of achieving this goal. Reducing the weight of components on the upper half of the rod is key to best performance.
The staff at Cajun Custom Rods has the experience and the availability of components to address all of these factors for you. If you are not able to determine the available trade offs between fit, function, and cost after building and/or comparing a few Cajun Custom Rods, please contact us directly and we’ll answer your questions to ensure that you have all the information you require prior to purchasing a Cajun Custom Rod. We want the chance to satisfy you. Our email: info@cajuncustomrods.com.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Why is rod guide set up important?”
Everybody’s casting style varies slightly if not dramatically. How you hold your rod dictates the opportunity to customize your cork grip to fit you in such a way that causes your rod to be in the exact same position every time you cast. This will result in a dramatic improvement in casting accuracy.
Guide placement can affect both the length and accuracy of your casting. Each rod describes a unique curve when put under deflection. The goal is to place guides for optimum performance. By preventing “line slap” against the rod shaft, the custom builder is able to reduce friction to allow for longer and smoother casts. Guide opening size and spacing is critical in dampening line oscillation that is set up during the cast. The fishing line as it travels from reel to rod tip needs to experience the least amount of guide contact friction possible, while the line needs to properly load the rod blank in fighting a fish.
Observance of the “nodal point” (the center of vibration between the rod tip and the butt portion) as a guide placement joint helps to dampen the rod vibration by equalizing upper and lower line balance effects. The line travel from the reel to the intersection point along the rod blank is important for one’s casting ability. Guide placement for downrigger, casting, trolling, and stand up rods are important in eliminating rod twisting when the rod is loaded. By ensuring accurate guide placement to include guide spacing, a damping of he line oscillations occurs while casting and he cast is essentially “straightened out.”
Each point of set-up contributes to the whole, making the rod function at an optimum level. No “formula” for spacing will work for every rod simply because no two blanks exhibit exactly the same characteristics. This meticulous attention to detail is the hallmark of every Cajun Custom Rod.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“What is rod balance?”
Regardless of the actual fishing rod’s weight (within reason), balance is the most important factor in making a rod “feel” good to you as well as reduce casting fatigue. For example, rod guides are manufactured for both spinning and casting rods. If you were to use spinning guides on a casting rod and with a casting reel, the difference in rod guide weights would be more than enough to make a rod “tip or butt-heavy” in your hand. When the rod is properly balanced with your rod components, the overall fishing outfit feels “weightless,” allows for delicacy and accuracy, and is simply a joy to use for a fatigue-free day of fishing. For casting accuracy and effort, rod components are very important elements in achieving proper rod balance and proper rod balance is a critical feature of a Cajun Custom Rod.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
“Do fishing rod aesthetics really matter?”
Custom fishing rods are first and foremost yours. Beauty does not improve function, but does enhance pride of ownership. The only person that counts and that needs to be pleased with the “look” of your Cajun Custom Rod is you. Pride of ownership of a your custom fishing rod should be driven by performance and aesthetics and not by brand labels.
(Back to About Your Cajun Custom Rod)
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