Yonex EZONE (2018)

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
I demoed... liked it w/ the multi... now that I have it and I have it strung w/ my usual strings, I don't like it as much. Still trying to find a string combo before I write up another review. One revelation I had yesterday in doubles is that the feel is different. I don't feel the ball on the strings with the current string combo that I felt w/ the multi. I'm getting some Yonex REXIS to see if that helps.
 

topspn

Legend
YPTP @50lbs was really good. I am not sure why people talk about this racquet like its a PD. I have Angells that are all foam filled and very comfy. This racquet may not have that ultra cushy feel of the DR but very comfy while crisper.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
are your new ezones 69 cm as well? Mine blue dr 98 came exacly 69 cm instead of around 68,5 which is 27 inches.
 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
Anyone else playing with the 98 yet? Lets here some more reviews.

I have both the EZone 98 and 100s. In the past played DR 98 (still keep one in the bag) and Vcore SV and SI. All 98s. The EZone 100 is the first Yonex 100 sq in stick that I really fell in love with. DR 100 was too fluttery, SV not bad/pretty good, a little chunky feeling, and SI 100 too light. Always felt 98 was Yonex's sweet spot -- 16x20 -- power and control.

Strung the EZone 98 with Solinco Hyper G and absolutely hated it. Brassy, low powered and a feeling like the sweet spot was tiny. Same string on the EZone 100 and it's a powerful beast. Great spin, plow and control. Amazing difference, tho frames are different too.
So I've just put on some 16g Black Code on the 98 and I am already noticing a great difference. Better control, a boost in power and a softer feel. Tuned it down to 50 lbs from 53, too. Much fatter sweet spot.

Tried Poly Tour Pro also on the Vcore 100 and while it's not bad, maybe a little muted for doubles, I really think the Hyper G is a winner.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I have both the EZone 98 and 100s. In the past played DR 98 (still keep one in the bag) and Vcore SV and SI. All 98s. The EZone 100 is the first Yonex 100 sq in stick that I really fell in love with. DR 100 was too fluttery, SV not bad/pretty good, a little chunky feeling, and SI 100 too light. Always felt 98 was Yonex's sweet spot -- 16x20 -- power and control.

Strung the EZone 98 with Solinco Hyper G and absolutely hated it. Brassy, low powered and a feeling like the sweet spot was tiny. Same string on the EZone 100 and it's a powerful beast. Great spin, plow and control. Amazing difference, tho frames are different too.
So I've just put on some 16g Black Code on the 98 and I am already noticing a great difference. Better control, a boost in power and a softer feel. Tuned it down to 50 lbs from 53, too. Much fatter sweet spot.

Tried Poly Tour Pro also on the Vcore 100 and while it's not bad, maybe a little muted for doubles, I really think the Hyper G is a winner.

Do you mean Black Code (16g) is a winner or Hyper G... because in the first sentence you said you hated it (Hyper G)...
 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
Do you mean Black Code (16g) is a winner or Hyper G... because in the first sentence you said you hated it (Hyper G)...

Cmon. Follow my stream of consciousness rambling! What I was trying to say was Hyper G is GREAT on the EZone 100, but terrible on the 98.

Black Code, so far, has been MUCH better on the 98 for me.

Still think there could be something else better, but for now the Black Code has me digging the 98.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Cmon. Follow my stream of consciousness rambling! What I was trying to say was Hyper G is GREAT on the EZone 100, but terrible on the 98.

Black Code, so far, has been MUCH better on the 98 for me.

Still think there could be something else better, but for now the Black Code has me digging the 98.

You're right... missed that bit... my apologies... it was a quick glance through and I missed the second and third sentence... Apologies again...

All the best :)
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Cmon. Follow my stream of consciousness rambling! What I was trying to say was Hyper G is GREAT on the EZone 100, but terrible on the 98.

Black Code, so far, has been MUCH better on the 98 for me.

Still think there could be something else better, but for now the Black Code has me digging the 98.

In all honesty @glenWs ... not sure why I'm still reading this thread as I'm very happy with my DR98 (Modified) and therefore not really interested in the new EZONE...

The strings I have tried in the DR98 have been Yonex PTP (Black) and Kirschbaum Super Smash 17 (Honey). I liked them both. The YPTP I found muted and softer but still good. Massive serves and good control. The launch angle of the ball was higher (from memory), and was something that I had to get a little used to at first. The KSS was crisper than the YPTP, but still had very good control and touch (maybe better than the Yonex). The serves were still big but possibly not as huge and the launch angle of the ball was I think lower. Considering the price, I think the KSS is a great string and I will use it again...
 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
In all honesty @glenWs ... not sure why I'm still reading this thread as I'm very happy with my DR98 (Modified) and therefore not really interested in the new EZONE...

The strings I have tried in the DR98 have been Yonex PTP (Black) and Kirschbaum Super Smash 17 (Honey). I liked them both. The YPTP I found muted and softer but still good. Massive serves and good control. The launch angle of the ball was higher (from memory), and was something that I had to get a little used to at first. The KSS was crisper than the YPTP, but still had very good control and touch (maybe better than the Yonex). The serves were still big but possibly not as huge and the launch angle of the ball was I think lower. Considering the price, I think the KSS is a great string and I will use it again...


I get it, and there is a finite number of attributes that the Ezone shares with the DR. I really think it's a new direction for the line and in many ways a different frame. Stiffer on the top end, but a bit more powerful and more ball feel and feedback, I've found.
Interesting string options, however, I have always been happy with Yonex Poly Tour Pro in my DRs. Super plush and I can really swing out with those strings.
 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
In all honesty @glenWs ... not sure why I'm still reading this thread as I'm very happy with my DR98 (Modified) and therefore not really interested in the new EZONE...

The strings I have tried in the DR98 have been Yonex PTP (Black) and Kirschbaum Super Smash 17 (Honey). I liked them both. The YPTP I found muted and softer but still good. Massive serves and good control. The launch angle of the ball was higher (from memory), and was something that I had to get a little used to at first. The KSS was crisper than the YPTP, but still had very good control and touch (maybe better than the Yonex). The serves were still big but possibly not as huge and the launch angle of the ball was I think lower. Considering the price, I think the KSS is a great string and I will use it again...


I get it, and there is a finite number of attributes that the Ezone shares with the DR. I really think it's a new direction for the line and in many ways a different frame. Stiffer on the top end, but a bit more powerful and more ball feel and feedback, I've found.
Interesting string options, however, I have always been happy with Yonex Poly Tour Pro in my DRs. Super plush and I can really swing out with those strings.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
In all honesty @glenWs ... not sure why I'm still reading this thread as I'm very happy with my DR98 (Modified) and therefore not really interested in the new EZONE...

The strings I have tried in the DR98 have been Yonex PTP (Black) and Kirschbaum Super Smash 17 (Honey). I liked them both. The YPTP I found muted and softer but still good. Massive serves and good control. The launch angle of the ball was higher (from memory), and was something that I had to get a little used to at first. The KSS was crisper than the YPTP, but still had very good control and touch (maybe better than the Yonex). The serves were still big but possibly not as huge and the launch angle of the ball was I think lower. Considering the price, I think the KSS is a great string and I will use it again...
You just want to re-enforce your love for your DRs by reading what you're missing out on (or not). Nothing wrong with that. ;-)
 

ZirkusAffe

Semi-Pro
OMG, it comes with an incorporated hologram of a tiger.

racquets-01.jpg
Anything with shapeshifters goes right on my must-have list.
 

whorng

Rookie
I don't. But I know my original grip started falling off after less than a week. Had to replace it. :-(
Mine was used with an OG for ~13 hours.
Took off the OG to reduce grip size and noticed one section was loose exposing some of the handle.
I liked the look, feel and traction, but the loose area was bugging me.
Time to experiment with replacement grips.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Mine was used with an OG for ~13 hours.
Took off the OG to reduce grip size and noticed one section was loose exposing some of the handle.
I liked the look, feel and traction, but the loose area was bugging me.
Time to experiment with replacement grips.
Sounds like a QA issue... or a coincidence that we both had faulty grips.

What's your string set up? I'm still experimenting around to find one that works well. I relied on PolyTour Pro 120 at 50 lbs in the Ai and DR. But that doesn't work in the new EZONE. PolyTour Fire 120 is working nicely, though! Spin wasn't as good. Next I'm going to try a hybrid with some Yonex REXIS or Monopreme.
 

whorng

Rookie
Sounds like a QA issue... or a coincidence that we both had faulty grips.

What's your string set up? I'm still experimenting around to find one that works well. I relied on PolyTour Pro 120 at 50 lbs in the Ai and DR. But that doesn't work in the new EZONE. PolyTour Fire 120 is working nicely, though! Spin wasn't as good. Next I'm going to try a hybrid with some Yonex REXIS or Monopreme.
Using Yonex Tour Super 850 Pro 16 @ 46 lbs per racquet tune.
These strings move all over just like synthetic gut. Needs to be tighter. I don't like it.
I don't string myself so I won't be experimenting as much. Also leaning towards arm friendly strings with good tension maintenance.
Will try Cream @ ~50 or FXP Tour @ ~55, haven't decided.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Using Yonex Tour Super 850 Pro 16 @ 46 lbs per racquet tune.
These strings move all over just like synthetic gut. Needs to be tighter. I don't like it.
I don't string myself so I won't be experimenting as much. Also leaning towards arm friendly strings with good tension maintenance.
Will try Cream @ ~50 or FXP Tour @ ~55, haven't decided.

Cream definitely has an interesting feel, I didn't care for it in my DR. I think PolyTour Fire at 45 is nice, but it definitely isn't as arm friendly as a multi - it's maintenance is good. PolyTour Air is softer, but I don't feel the maintenance is there. You should try and see what your thoughts are. Or try a hybrid if strings moving out of alignment is of grave concern.
 

whorng

Rookie
Cream definitely has an interesting feel, I didn't care for it in my DR. I think PolyTour Fire at 45 is nice, but it definitely isn't as arm friendly as a multi - it's maintenance is good. PolyTour Air is softer, but I don't feel the maintenance is there. You should try and see what your thoughts are. Or try a hybrid if strings moving out of alignment is of grave concern.
Would love to try Yonex Fire, but Yonex prices their strings higher so i'd rather not get hooked on the pricey stuff. :)
Plus I have multiple sets of cream, fxp tour, crossfire zx, and a few other strings to burn through. Have to stop buying more.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Does anyone else find that the EZONE gives you that extra umpf in overheads? I'm getting that sensation when I strike the ball in overheads (not so much on groundstrokes) - like, an effortless swing creates a lot more pop compared to the previous DRs that soaked up ball in the string. That's what I think the main difference in performance is between the iterations. EZONE = more power, EZONE DR = more dwell time. And these two characteristics also explain the stability. EZONE pops the ball out quickly and doesn't allow the ball to push it around. The DR holds the ball and takes a 'punch' from the ball from time to time.

Thoughts? Am I crazy?
 

Boomersooner

New User
Well said X. I demoed DR and Ezone 98 last weekend. Both strung @ 52 with PTP. Ezone is SO effortless on serve! I had been thinking age had stripped me of my kick serve, but it was back big time. I personally thought it was on groundies, too. TW has mine in the mail as we speak!
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Does anyone else find that the EZONE gives you that extra umpf in overheads? I'm getting that sensation when I strike the ball in overheads (not so much on groundstrokes) - like, an effortless swing creates a lot more pop compared to the previous DRs that soaked up ball in the string. That's what I think the main difference in performance is between the iterations. EZONE = more power, EZONE DR = more dwell time. And these two characteristics also explain the stability. EZONE pops the ball out quickly and doesn't allow the ball to push it around. The DR holds the ball and takes a 'punch' from the ball from time to time.

Thoughts? Am I crazy?

I, personally, think that what you said about the DR was true (only with big hitters) before I added weight to both handle and head of the racquet. After the mods, nothing pushes this baby around... Can't speak to the difference between the two, as I'm happy with the DR and haven't even tried the EZONE
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
I, personally, think that what you said about the DR was true (only with big hitters) before I added weight to both handle and head of the racquet. After the mods, nothing pushes this baby around... Can't speak to the difference between the two, as I'm happy with the DR and haven't even tried the EZONE
Yeah, I think if you're happy with the DR, there's no real reason to switch to the new EZONE. But if you haven't experienced the EZONE, you'd might want to try both to see what one you like more. Both are aligned with the EZONE's core marketing message of a modern day player's power racquet.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Found another string that works well in the new EZONE 98 - Volkl Cyclone 18g! No drastically stiff upper hoop feeling like I had with the demo's multi or PolyTour Spin and PolyTour Pro.

PolyTour Fire and Volkl Cyclone are winners so far. Anyone else got some winning string setups? It seems to me that the string makes or breaks the racquet's stiff upper-hoop feel. @whorng @Boomersooner
 

dje31

Professional
^^^ I've probably relayed this in a dozen or more Yonex and stringing threads, but that won't stop me from going for 13 or more.

If you like Cyclone 18, why stop there?

In my two EZXi98 bats, I use Cyclone 19 in the mains, and Gosen OGSM 17 in crosses. I've also used Forten Sweet 17 as crosses, and can't tell any difference.

In one, I do 47m, 43c, the other is 41m, 37c.

If the '18 EZONE 98 really is the spiritual successor to the EZXi98, I'd imagine my string combo should work...at least it would for me.
 

whorng

Rookie
Found another string that works well in the new EZONE 98 - Volkl Cyclone 18g! No drastically stiff upper hoop feeling like I had with the demo's multi or PolyTour Spin and PolyTour Pro.

PolyTour Fire and Volkl Cyclone are winners so far. Anyone else got some winning string setups? It seems to me that the string makes or breaks the racquet's stiff upper-hoop feel. @whorng @Boomersooner
Looks like thin poly @ 45 is a good bet.
I haven't been playing tennis as much so haven't popped those multis yet. Plus I am enjoying the Phantom too. :)
Always wanted to try Hyper-G and Cyclone in thin gauges. Maybe next year.
 
^^^ I've probably relayed this in a dozen or more Yonex and stringing threads, but that won't stop me from going for 13 or more.

If you like Cyclone 18, why stop there?

In my two EZXi98 bats, I use Cyclone 19 in the mains, and Gosen OGSM 17 in crosses. I've also used Forten Sweet 17 as crosses, and can't tell any difference.

In one, I do 47m, 43c, the other is 41m, 37c.

If the '18 EZONE 98 really is the spiritual successor to the EZXi98, I'd imagine my string combo should work...at least it would for me.

I couldn't agree more.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Looks like thin poly @ 45 is a good bet.
I haven't been playing tennis as much so haven't popped those multis yet. Plus I am enjoying the Phantom too. :)
Always wanted to try Hyper-G and Cyclone in thin gauges. Maybe next year.
I take it back. Played with the Volkl Cyclone some more yesterday. Ugh. It started giving off that wire-y sound when I hit the ball. Over it. Fresh off the stringing, it's money. Going to try Solinco Tour Bite Soft next.
 
Switched over to the EZONE from the 2015 RF97A due to arm problems about a month ago. I demoed the stick from TW and really liked it alot so decided to make the switch.

I'm still enjoying the stick but just have a couple small problems. I'm finding that the racket twists/slips in my hand alot right before contact which is causing shanks. I'm not sure if this is something related to the racket or just the grip size. This is my first Yonex stick, are they known for making grips that are smaller than other brands? I'm also struggling on returns so thinking of throwing some lead tape on at 3 and 9 o'clock for some more stability. Maybe this will help with the twisting proglem as well.
 

Anton

Legend
Switched over to the EZONE from the 2015 RF97A due to arm problems about a month ago. I demoed the stick from TW and really liked it alot so decided to make the switch.

I'm still enjoying the stick but just have a couple small problems. I'm finding that the racket twists/slips in my hand alot right before contact which is causing shanks. I'm not sure if this is something related to the racket or just the grip size. This is my first Yonex stick, are they known for making grips that are smaller than other brands? I'm also struggling on returns so thinking of throwing some lead tape on at 3 and 9 o'clock for some more stability. Maybe this will help with the twisting proglem as well.

Yonex has very small buttcap flare - do double loop with the grip and double loop with over grip at the bttom to create a nice flare that will make the racket much easier to old securely with relaxed grip.

images
 

whorng

Rookie
Yonex has very small buttcap flare - do double loop with the grip and double loop with over grip at the bttom to create a nice flare that will make the racket much easier to old securely with relaxed grip.

images
The Ezone 98 has more buttcap flare than the DR 98.
I like the amount the Ezone 98 has.
 

FV_Br

Rookie
Anyone here able to compare Ezone 100 to AI100 and DR100? I had a very good couple of years playing with AI100 but didn't like DR100.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Has anyone played poly tour pro 1.20 in the frame? Low to mid tension. I imagine it would be pretty sweet.
Yes. It's OK, not my favorite. The new EZONE is rather string sensitive. PTP 120 was amazing in the DR and Ai line. Not so much in the current line. I've found more success with PolyTour Fire in the EZONE 98.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Anyone here able to compare Ezone 100 to AI100 and DR100? I had a very good couple of years playing with AI100 but didn't like DR100.
You're most likely not going to like the EZONE 100. Most people who like the Ai/DR line like it's soft feeling stringbed. The new EZONE is crisper and doesn't absorb the ball's impact. It's more of a crisp-comfort. It's something more akin to the VCORE SV line, just less harsh.
 

topspn

Legend
You're most likely not going to like the EZONE 100. Most people who like the Ai/DR line like it's soft feeling stringbed. The new EZONE is crisper and doesn't absorb the ball's impact. It's more of a crisp-comfort. It's something more akin to the VCORE SV line, just less harsh.
While the new ezone is a bit crisper then the DR line, however i would most certainly not make a feel comparison between it and the SV line, They are very different in feel with the SV line having a far firmer feel.
 

FV_Br

Rookie
While the new ezone is a bit crisper then the DR line, however i would most certainly not make a feel comparison between it and the SV line, They are very different in feel with the SV line having a far firmer feel.

Thank you, when you say crisper, it means harsher to the arm or just a feel of more power? My only complaint is that it was sluggish for my OHBH, today playing with a Warrior I don't feel this, but the lack of control is annoying sometimes. The weight and SW specs of the ezone 100 are the same as the TXT Warrior, but I am pretty sure that control will be better with ezone 100.
 

topspn

Legend
Thank you, when you say crisper, it means harsher to the arm or just a feel of more power? My only complaint is that it was sluggish for my OHBH, today playing with a Warrior I don't feel this, but the lack of control is annoying sometimes. The weight and SW specs of the ezone 100 are the same as the TXT Warrior, but I am pretty sure that control will be better with ezone 100.
I can’t comment about the warrior as it isn’t a racquet I have hit with. The new ezone does feel a bit more firm in upper hoop but I would not call it harsh. It is not a big departure from the feel of the DR but also has a bit more power.
 

Swan Song

Professional
Are there any comments on the EZone Lite? I am thinking of having a growing 9-year-old try one before trying the EZone 100.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
I can’t comment about the warrior as it isn’t a racquet I have hit with. The new ezone does feel a bit more firm in upper hoop but I would not call it harsh. It is not a big departure from the feel of the DR but also has a bit more power.
I was able to smooth out that feeling between the sweetspot and the upper hoop w/ some PolyTour Fire at 45.

Thank you, when you say crisper, it means harsher to the arm or just a feel of more power? My only complaint is that it was sluggish for my OHBH, today playing with a Warrior I don't feel this, but the lack of control is annoying sometimes. The weight and SW specs of the ezone 100 are the same as the TXT Warrior, but I am pretty sure that control will be better with ezone 100.
"Crisper" for me is a firmer pop (compared to the DR). Doesn't mean it's harsher or would hurt the arm, but it could depending on the person and setup.
 

Jbou

Rookie
Thank you, when you say crisper, it means harsher to the arm or just a feel of more power? My only complaint is that it was sluggish for my OHBH, today playing with a Warrior I don't feel this, but the lack of control is annoying sometimes. The weight and SW specs of the ezone 100 are the same as the TXT Warrior, but I am pretty sure that control will be better with ezone 100.
I am now playing on a DR 100 after Textreme Warrior. The DR 100 is more control and predictable than the Warrior. But the new EZone seems a bit more powerful than DR...
 

FV_Br

Rookie
Played 4 sets doubles last night with the Ezone 100, I am feeling some soreness in my elbow, even using a soft synthetic gut (babolat spiraltek). This wasn't happening with TXTWarrior with multi (velocity). Stifness of both strings is similar, racquet stifness is 2 pts higer on Ezone 100.

This soreness would be just for using a different racquet, or Ezone 100 is that much stiffer than TXT warrior?
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
From:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/cgi-bin/vibfrequency.cgi

Prince Textreme Warrior 100: 141 (Vib. Freq.) 66 (RDC)
Yonex Ezone 100 (300g): 156 (Vib. Freq.) 70 (RDC)

The RDC ratings are not that hugely diff, but combined with the vibr. freq. diffs, the Ezone is clearly a stiffer racket when it comes to these two metrics. If you're unsure about the two, see the explanation on the TWU page.

I've tried a lot of the Textreme rackets, and even though they might feel "crisp" (at impact) at their respectice RDC/RA and vibration freq. ratings, they are very armfriendly. The only exception, ime, is the TT100P when strung in the mid 50s (or higher) with a med/stiff poly. Ime, the Yonex also are more armfriendly than their ratings. However, I'd take the vibr. freq. data seriously when it pertains elbow soreness, a symptom that should bring up the TE flag. New rackets bring along different vibrations into the arm upon impact and should be treated with respect.
 

FV_Br

Rookie
From:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/cgi-bin/vibfrequency.cgi

Prince Textreme Warrior 100: 141 (Vib. Freq.) 66 (RDC)
Yonex Ezone 100 (300g): 156 (Vib. Freq.) 70 (RDC)

The RDC ratings are not that hugely diff, but combined with the vibr. freq. diffs, the Ezone is clearly a stiffer racket when it comes to these two metrics. If you're unsure about the two, see the explanation on the TWU page.

I've tried a lot of the Textreme rackets, and even though they might feel "crisp" (at impact) at their respectice RDC/RA and vibration freq. ratings, they are very armfriendly. The only exception, ime, is the TT100P when strung in the mid 50s (or higher) with a med/stiff poly. Ime, the Yonex also are more armfriendly than their ratings. However, I'd take the vibr. freq. data seriously when it pertains elbow soreness, a symptom that should bring up the TE flag. New rackets bring along different vibrations into the arm upon impact and should be treated with respect.

Very good information smalahove, it is clear that the stifness + vibration is what made me felt the soreness. And I am coming from a recent TE recovery...
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
Very good information smalahove, it is clear that the stifness + vibration is what made me felt the soreness. And I am coming from a recent TE recovery...

No prob. These metrics are not absolute, but combined they can give you a good indication.
F.inst. the DR100 has higher numbers than the Ezone 100:

Yonex EZone DR 100: 158 (Vibr.freq.) 70 (RDC)

However the DR 100 is supposedly more comfy than the Ezone 100. I have two DR100 strung with poly/syntgut hybrid, and I can't complain about frame stiffness. Apparently, there's a shock absorber in the handle. However, ime, these numbers should make you vary to try stiffer, non-round polys at higher (or medium) tensions. I got fullblown TE when I changed the strings on my two Pure Strikes to a couple of square'ish poly and strung them at 54 lbs for control. Not a good idea for my arm. And be aware of handle size and grip pressure.
 

lwto

Hall of Fame
Just got a Yonex ezone 100 1/4. Didn't like the grip, I use a 3/8 and I got the 1/4 since, Yonex base handle tend to be slightly larger than the Wilson.
I was able to create a Wilson 4 3/8 grip for the Yonex.
Pretty simple actually and it worked quite well.
Simply used a half grip build up sleeve that I put on a wilson 4 3/8 and heat treated it to conform to the Wilson base grip.
Then using a razor knife, slit it length wise. Once it was off, simply put it on the Yonex grip, tape the slit and voila, a Wilson grip on a Yonex.

I was worried about some play, but, really it was unnoticeable.. all is good.
 
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