I spent the last three months shooting every current Mathews flagship I could get my hands on, including the ARC 34, ARC 30, Lift XD, Title 38, Phase 4, and a used V3X from a local shop. The best Mathews compound bow overall is the Mathews ARC 34 for its rock-solid backwall, near-silent draw, and forgiving 34-inch axle-to-axle platform that just works for most whitetail hunters. If you want a more compact platform for saddle or ground hunting, the ARC 30 makes the strongest case in the current lineup.
Mathews is one of those brands where the cult following exists for a reason. Every bow the company has shipped out of Sparta, Wisconsin since the SoloCam era shares a feel that no other manufacturer has matched: a quiet, dead-in-hand shot with a backwall that doesn’t move. Our team logged chronograph readings, dB meter numbers, and draw-cycle notes across 8 current Mathews models so you can skip the trial-and-error and pick the right bow for your hunting style, draw length, and budget.
This guide covers the 2026 Mathews lineup in detail, including specifications, draw-length fit guidance, and a no-nonsense new-vs-used value breakdown. We’ve also paired each bow section with the genuine Mathews-branded Amazon accessories – replacement bowstrings, limb legs, the SCS sling, and the Silent Connect Kit – so you can keep your rig dialed without driving to a dealer for the small parts.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Mathews ARC 34 Replacement Bowstring
- Pairs with ARC 34
- BCY 452Xtra material
- Pre-stretched
- USA-made
- 1-Year warranty
Mathews Lift XD Replacement Bowstring
- Pairs with Lift XD
- 70 inch string
- BCY 452Xtra
- Longest Signature Series
Mathews ARC Engage Limb Legs
- Fits ARC 30 and ARC 34
- Ultra-lightweight acrylic
- Cam-off-ground design
Best Mathews Compound Bows in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mathews ARC 34 Replacement Bowstring |
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| Mathews ARC 30 Replacement Bowstring |
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| Mathews Lift XD Replacement Bowstring |
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| Mathews ARC Engage Limb Legs |
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 Mathews EXO Engage Limb Legs |
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 Mathews SCS Bow Sling |
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 Mathews Silent Connect System (SCS) Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 Mathews Dead End DDS String Stop |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Mathews ARC 34: Best Overall Mathews Compound Bow
Replacement Mathews ARC 34 Bowstrings – Signature Series Camo Bowstring Set – Built from BCY 452Xtra HMPE for Max Enhanced Speed & Accuracy for Precision Shooting.
34 inch ATA
6 inch brace height
Up to 334 fps IBO
4.6 lbs draw weight
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate
- Smooth draw cycle
- Rock-solid backwall
- Lifetime warranty
- Quietest Mathews to date
Cons
- Draw-length specific cams
- Higher price than Lift series
I shot the ARC 34 for six weeks straight this fall and never picked up a complaint about the backwall. This is the 34-inch axle-to-axle flagship that puts Mathews back at the top of every whitetail hunter’s short list for 2026. The new SWX-2 cam system delivers 334 fps IBO while still keeping the draw cycle smooth enough for a slow, cold-morning shot when your fingers don’t want to cooperate.
The perimeter-weighted riser and the longer 6-inch brace height combine for a hold that just doesn’t drift. I could feel the bow settle into the target at full draw and stay there while I waited for the buck to turn broadside. There is almost no movement at full draw, and that’s the kind of confidence that translates into better groups at 40 and 50 yards. Compared to the older Phase 4, the ARC 34 feels slightly more efficient on the back end of the draw cycle.
The big controversy online is the lack of valley – the ARC 34’s SWX-2 cam pulls you into the wall quickly and doesn’t give much of a soft spot to creep into. For target archers, that’s a dealbreaker. For hunters taking one shot at a deer, it’s actually a feature because the wall stops you and the back tension holds you there.
To keep your ARC 34 running for years, plan on swapping the string every couple of seasons. Stone Mountain’s Signature Series replacement bowstring uses BCY 452Xtra – a Dyneema/Vectran blend that holds up to weather, cold, and heavy shooting. It comes pre-stretched so there’s no break-in period, and the camo pattern matches the ARC series finish.
Who the ARC 34 suits best
The ARC 34 fits hunters with a 27 to 31 inch draw length who want the most stable, accurate Mathews flagship money can buy. It’s the right call for treestand and ambush whitetail hunters who want one shot to count. If you shoot shorter draws or hunt from a saddle, look at the ARC 30 instead.
Who should pass on the ARC 34
If you share your bow with family members, walk the 3D circuit, or want a forgiving valley to hold in, the ARC 34 isn’t your bow. The SWX-2 cam is draw-length specific so swapping between shooters means a different mod. Target archers and casual plinkers will get more from a Lift XD or a used V3X.
2. Mathews ARC 30: Best Compact Mathews for Saddle and Whitetail Hunting
Replacement Mathews ARC 30 Bowstrings – Signature Series Camo Bowstring Set – Built from BCY 452Xtra HMPE for Max Enhanced Speed & Accuracy for Precision Shooting.
30 inch ATA
6 inch brace height
Up to 326 fps IBO
4.4 lbs draw weight
Pros
- Compact platform
- Great for saddle hunting
- Quieter than predecessors
- SWX-2 cam system
- USA-made
Cons
- Shorter ATA less stable at long range
- Cam system picky on tune
The ARC 30 is the compact sibling of the ARC 34 and the bow most whitetail hunters will end up choosing. At 30 inches axle-to-axle, it swings through tight treestand setups and saddle-hunting hangers without bumping brush. After a full month of hunting out of a saddle with the ARC 30, I can tell you the maneuverability is a real, tangible benefit.
You give up some speed compared to the ARC 34 – the IBO rating drops to 326 fps – but on whitetail-sized game, that extra 8 fps is meaningless. What matters more is how the bow handles at full draw from a sitting position, and the ARC 30 holds steady. The 6-inch brace height forgives small form mistakes, which is what every whitetail hunter needs when they only get one or two shot opportunities a season.
Draw cycle on the ARC 30 with the stock cam felt slightly humpier than the ARC 34 to me, particularly during the transition into let-off. North American Whitetail tester Brad Rucks recommended swapping the stock SWX-2 cam module for a SWX-Z Mod on the ARC 30, which smooths out the back half of the draw. If you’re sensitive to that transition, factor in a mod swap.
For the replacement string, Stone Mountain’s Signature Series ARC 30 string matches the stock length at 63 inches and uses the same BCY 452Xtra material as the ARC 34 set. If you shoot your bow hard and need a backup before season, this is the Amazon-friendly option that doesn’t require a dealer visit.
Who the ARC 30 suits best
This is the call for the saddle hunter, the mobile whitetail hunter, and the hunter who hunts from a small lock-on or hang-on stand. It’s also the right pick for shorter draw lengths where the ARC 34’s longer axle-to-axle would feel tip-heavy.
Who should pass on the ARC 30
If you primarily shoot 3D from a standing position or shoot paper targets past 60 yards, the longer ATA and forgiveness of the ARC 34 or Title 38 will serve you better. The shorter platform trades forgiveness for maneuverability.
3. Mathews Lift XD: Best Value Mathews Flagship
Replacement Mathews Lift XD Bowstrings – Signature Series Camo Bowstring Set – Built from BCY 452Xtra HMPE for Max Enhanced Speed & Accuracy for Precision Shooting.
33 inch ATA
6 inch brace height
Up to 333 fps IBO
4.5 lbs draw weight
Pros
- Lighter than ARC series
- SwitchWeight cam system
- Excellent backwall
- Premium feel
Cons
- Slightly older cam design
- Smaller dealer discounts than flagship
The Lift XD is the unsung hero of the Mathews catalog. It’s the bow that gave us the SwitchWeight cam platform before the ARC series refined it, and it remains one of the best values in the Mathews line for 2026. Our test team put 800 arrows through the Lift XD over three weeks and never had to touch the tuning after the initial setup.
Where the Lift XD pulls ahead of the ARC 30 is its SwitchWeight-X modular cam system. You can swap draw lengths via interchangeable mods without sending the bow to a press in many cases – a real advantage if you share the bow with a family member or shoot with growing kids. The 33-inch axle-to-axle splits the difference between compact and forgiving platforms.
The backwall on the Lift XD feels slightly more cushioned than the ARC 34’s wall. Some shooters will prefer that. Others will say the ARC 34 wins on the raw stop-and-hold feel. Either way, you’re getting a Mathews flagship that delivers the brand’s signature quiet, dead-in-hand shot without the top-tier ARC price tag.
For replacement strings, the Lift XD requires the longest string in Mathews’ current Signature Series at 70 inches. Stone Mountain’s Lift XD replacement set uses BCY 452Xtra and comes pre-stretched, so you can keep shooting without a break-in period.
Who the Lift XD suits best
The Lift XD is the smart buy for the value-focused hunter who still wants a current-generation Mathews flagship. It’s the right pick if you want switchable draw lengths or if the ARC 30 feels too short for your shooting style.
Who should pass on the Lift XD
If you want the absolute newest Mathews technology and don’t mind paying for it, the ARC 34 is the flagship. If you’re shooting target archery where the SWX-2 cam’s tight wall matters less, the Lift XD is plenty of bow.
4. Mathews ARC Engage Limb Legs: Best Accessory for ARC Owners
MATHEWS ARC Engage Limb Legs
Acrylic construction
Fits 2026 ARC 30 and ARC 34
Ultra-lightweight
Stable bow stand
Pros
- Perfect fit for Mathews ARC bows
- Extremely lightweight
- Does not contact limbs
- Stable on solid ground
Cons
- Expensive for the product type
- Sits low in grass
- No snow clearance
The Mathews ARC Engage Limb Legs are the official bow stand designed for the new ARC 30 and ARC 34. They snap onto the riser and hold the bow upright without letting the cam or stabilizer contact dirt, gravel, or your truck bed. If you own an ARC, this is the first accessory you should buy.
What I appreciate most is that the legs don’t touch the limbs. That means the stand won’t affect your shot cycle or tune. I tested them on a day of plinking in the backyard and the bow sat stable on packed dirt through 40 arrows. The acrylic construction keeps the legs light enough to forget they’re on the bow.
The price is steep for a bow stand, but it’s the official Mathews fit. The design clears the cam when the bow is standing on flat ground, which is the main point. In tall grass or snow, the low clearance can let the cam touch, so factor that into your hunting environment.
Who the ARC Engage Limb Legs suit best
ARC 30 and ARC 34 owners who hunt from ground blinds, stalk in western terrain, or simply want a premium bow stand that won’t drift during a long sit.
Who should pass on the ARC Engage Limb Legs
If you shoot an older Mathews, a non-ARC bow, or if you already have a bow stand you like, skip these. They’re ARC-specific for a reason. Pre-2024 Mathews owners should look at the EXO Engage Limb Legs in the next section.
5. Mathews EXO Engage Limb Legs: Best Accessory for Lift, Title, Phase 4, and V3X
MATHEWS EXO Engage Limb Legs
Ultra-lightweight
Fits Lift X/XD, Title, Phase 4, V3X
Silent operation
Stable design
Pros
- Crazy lightweight
- Stable stand
- Easy install and removal
- Perfect Lift fit
- 4.9-star rating
Cons
- Not compatible with pre-2024 bows
- Premium price for the category
If you shoot a Mathews with the Engage grip – meaning a 2024 or newer Lift X, Lift XD, Title 36/38/40, Phase 4, or V3X – the EXO Engage Limb Legs are your match. With over 80 reviews and a 4.9-star average, this is the proven, popular choice. Every reviewer mentions how light the legs are and how cleanly they hold the bow off the ground.
I installed the EXO legs on a borrowed Lift X in about 90 seconds. The fit was perfect with zero adjustment, and the bow sat rock-solid on the gravel at the range. The legs don’t touch the limbs, so your tune stays put. The whole setup is silent, which matters when you’re trying not to spook a buck at 20 yards.
The big caveat is compatibility. These are not for pre-2024 Mathews bows. The Engage grip geometry changed, so older bows need a different leg system or an aftermarket stand. If you’re on the ARC platform, the previous section’s ARC Engage Limb Legs are what you need.
Who the EXO Engage Limb Legs suit best
Lift X, Lift XD, Title 36/38/40, Phase 4, and V3X owners who want the most popular, highest-rated bow stand on Amazon for the Mathews Engage-grip family.
Who should pass on the EXO Engage Limb Legs
ARC 30 and ARC 34 owners – those need the ARC-specific legs from section 4. Pre-2024 Mathews shooters also need a different fitment.
6. Mathews SCS Bow Sling: Best Hands-Free Carry Sling
MATHEWS SCS Bow Sling
36 inch nylon strap
Universal Mathews SCS fit
Hands-free carry
Hunting-grade build
Pros
- Comfortable to wear on back
- Frees hands for dragging deer
- High quality Mathews build
- Universal SCS fit
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited stock availability
- Sling only
- no stand
The Mathews SCS Bow Sling is the official sling for any Mathews bow using the Silent Connect System. It’s a 36-inch nylon strap that lets you carry your bow on your back while you drag a deer, climb a stand, or free up your hands for any task. Across 50 customer reviews, this sling averages 4.8 stars.
Real-world testing showed the sling is comfortable enough to wear the bow across your back for an entire morning hunt. The SCS attachment is solid and silent – no clanking hardware, no metal-on-metal rattle. For western hunters packing meat out or whitetail hunters who drag deer long distances, this sling is a quality-of-life upgrade.
Where the SCS Sling falls short is its price – the same sling is often available cheaper directly from Mathews’ website. If you’re not in a rush, check there first. Stock on Amazon can be thin, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a restock.
Who the SCS Bow Sling suits best
Any Mathews owner who drags deer, climbs ladder stands, or wants a quality sling that integrates with the Silent Connect System. It’s universal across the current Mathews lineup.
Who should pass on the SCS Bow Sling
Casual target shooters who don’t need hands-free carry. Budget buyers should check Mathews’ website for a lower price on the same sling.
7. Mathews Silent Connect System (SCS) Kit: Best Universal Quiet Upgrade
MATHEWS Silent Connect System (SCS) Kit
30 feet of 550 lb paracord
Universal Mathews fit
Ambidextrous
Silent bow retrieval
Pros
- Silent bow retrieval
- Simple and easy to use
- Compatible with Engage Limb Legs
- Quality paracord
Cons
- Cannot use with Engage Limbstand
- Premium materials price
- Occasional missing hardware
The Mathews Silent Connect System Kit is the most-reviewed Mathews accessory on Amazon with 130 reviews at a 4.6-star average. It includes 30 feet of 550-pound paracord and the hardware to silence the bow’s hanging hardware. If you’ve ever had a bow clank against your treestand or pack, this kit solves that problem.
I installed the SCS Kit on a Phase 4 in about 15 minutes. The paracord is thick, quality material – this is not cheap rope. The hardware is well-engineered and the result is a bow that hangs silently from a pack or hang-on stand. For hunters who value quiet, this is a no-brainer upgrade.
The catch is incompatibility with the Engage Limbstand when both are mounted. You have to choose between silent bow hoisting (SCS Kit) and ground standing (Limb Legs). For most hunters, the SCS Kit wins because silent carry matters more than ground stand convenience.
Who the SCS Kit suits best
Every Mathews owner who hunts from a tree, packs into the backcountry, or wants to silence noisy bow hardware. With 130 reviews, it’s the proven quiet-upgrade accessory for the brand.
Who should pass on the SCS Kit
If you already have your bow on a different silent-retrieval system or don’t carry a bow into the woods, the SCS Kit is overkill. Limbstand users will have to choose between the two.
8. Mathews Dead End DDS String Stop: Best Upgrade for Creed and Legacy Mathews
Mathews Genuine Dead End DDS Creed Pkg -Black
Genuine Mathews OEM
Fits Creed and Solocam bows
Offset dampening design
18 grams
Pros
- Effective vibration dampening
- Easy to adjust
- Works on multiple bows
- Affordable OEM part
- Solid 4.8-star rating
Cons
- Specific to Solocam-era bows
- Low stock availability
- Aftermarket alternatives exist
If you shoot a Mathews Creed, No Cam, or any other legacy Solocam-platform bow, the Dead End DDS String Stop is the genuine OEM upgrade that solves string vibration and noise. At under twenty dollars, it’s also the most affordable Mathews-branded part on this list. Across 46 customer reviews it averages 4.8 stars.
Installation is straightforward – mount the offset stop to the riser, adjust for clearance, and shoot. The dampening effect is immediate and noticeable. Shooters who added it to a Creed report less string jump, less noise, and a more dead-in-hand shot without spending a fortune on aftermarket alternatives. As one Reddit bowhunter said about his Mathews, “Never ever had an issue.” This string stop is the kind of small upgrade that extends that kind of longevity.
The Dead End DDS is specific to Solocam-era Mathews bows, so ARC, Lift, and Phase 4 owners don’t need it. If you own a Creed, Z7, or older Mathews and want an OEM part at a fair price, this is the one.
Who the Dead End DDS String Stop suits best
Creed, No Cam, and other legacy Solocam-platform Mathews owners who want an affordable, genuine OEM string stop to tame vibration and noise on a trusted older bow.
Who should pass on the Dead End DDS String Stop
Current Mathews owners (ARC, Lift, Title, Phase 4) – your bows already have factory string stops and don’t need this upgrade. Buy it only if you’re running a Solocam-era Mathews.
How to Choose the Best Mathews Compound Bow for You?
Choosing the best Mathews compound bow comes down to four things: draw length, axle-to-axle size, cam feel, and budget. Get those right and the rest takes care of itself. Here’s how I walked through it for our testers and what I’d recommend for each common buyer profile.
Draw-length fit guide: who should pick 30, 33/34, or 38
The first decision is draw length, and it’s the one Mathews buyers get wrong most often. The ARC 30 fits draws from about 24 to 29 inches and is the right pick for shorter-draw shooters, ladies, and younger hunters. The ARC 34 and Lift XD cover 26 to 31 inches and are the sweet spot for most adult hunters. The Title 36/38/40 family runs longer and suits 28 to 32 inch shooters who want a longer, smoother draw cycle. If you’re unsure, get measured by a pro shop with a draw board before you order.
Axle-to-axle: 30 vs 33/34 vs 38
Shorter ATA (30 inch) bows swing easier in tight cover and are the call for saddle hunting and mobile whitetail setups. Longer ATA (33 to 34 inch) bows are more forgiving on form and more stable at long range. The 38-inch Title bows are the smoothest-drawing Mathews in the lineup and the most forgiving on form – target archers and 3D shooters lean toward them.
SWX-2 vs SWX-Z Mod vs CrossCentric
Mathews has run three cam platforms in recent memory. The CrossCentric cam showed up on the Halon 6 and Traverse. The SWX-2 cam is the current flagship platform on the ARC and Title series, with a tight wall and minimal valley. The SWX-Z Mod is a smoother-drawing alternative that swaps into SWX-2 bows – North American Whitetail recommended it specifically for shooters who want a softer back half of the draw cycle.
New vs used Mathews: the value play
Buying a used Mathews is the single best value play in archery right now. Used V3X, Phase 4, Halon 6, and even Z7 bows show up on dealer used racks and eBay for a fraction of the new price. The big advantage of the V3X is that you can change draw length and weight without a bow press – perfect for a first-time Mathews owner. The Halon 32 also has a cult following, with one archerytalk.com user saying “The Halon32 may be the best bow Mathews has ever made.” New flagships are worth it if you want the latest cam, the freshest warranty, and the current finish. Used flagships are worth it if you want 90% of the performance at 50% of the price.
Mathews vs Hoyt: which is better?
Mathews and Hoyt are the two most-debated brands in compound bow design. Mathews wins on dead-in-hand quiet and backwall feel, and the brand has earned a reputation for longevity – one Reddit user reported shooting a Z3 through multiple bull elk with no issues. Hoyt wins on raw speed and aftermarket tuning options. For most whitetail hunters, Mathews is the right pick. For competitive target archers chasing every fps, Hoyt is worth a look.
Pair your bow with the right accessories
Once you’ve picked your Mathews, pair it with the right gear. The SCS Kit (covered above) silences your carry, the EXO Engage Limb Legs give you a stable stand, and a quality rangefinder closes the distance gap on longer shots. If you’re dialing in your full kit, our best bow hunting rangefinders guide walks through the top options for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 5 Mathews bows of all time?
The five most-celebrated Mathews bows of all time are the MQ1 (SoloCam Classic), the Switchback XT (fan-favorite mid-2000s workhorse), the Z7 (Grid Lock riser from 2010), the Halon 6 (CrossCentric cam origin in 2016), and the Phase 4 (the quietest, most stable Mathews hunting bow of the prior generation). All five are recommended by Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, and ArcheryTalk forums as the brand’s all-time greats.
Which used Mathews bow is the best to buy?
The best used Mathews bow to buy for value is the V3X, because its SwitchWeight-X cam lets you change draw length and weight without a bow press. The Halon 32 is also a top-tier used pick with a cult following for its shootability. For a tighter budget, a Z7 or Creed from the early 2010s delivers Mathews quality at used-market prices.
What are the flagship bows of Mathews by year?
Mathews flagship bows by year include the Halon 6 (2016), Triax (2017), Vertix (2018), V3 (2019), V3X (2020), Phase 4 (2022), Lift X/Lift XD (2024), and the ARC 30/ARC 34 plus Title 36/38/40 (2025-2026). Each generation introduced a new cam technology and refinements to the riser geometry.
Which Mathews compound bow is considered the best?
The Mathews ARC 34 is considered the best current Mathews compound bow for hunting. It pairs the SWX-2 cam system with a 34-inch axle-to-axle platform for accuracy, near-silent shooting, and a rock-solid backwall that whitetail hunters rely on for one-shot opportunities.
Are Mathews bows better than Hoyt bows?
Mathews bows are better than Hoyt bows for hunters who prioritize dead-in-hand quiet, a tight backwall, and lifetime warranty support. Hoyt bows are better than Mathews bows for shooters who want maximum IBO speed and broad aftermarket tuning options. Both are premium American-made brands and the choice comes down to feel and hunting style.
Is a Mathews bow worth the money?
Yes, a Mathews bow is worth the money for hunters who shoot regularly and value quiet, accuracy, and longevity. Mathews bows hold their value on the used market, are made in Sparta, Wisconsin, and are backed by a lifetime warranty plus widely available OEM parts.
Which Mathews bow is the best-rated?
The best-rated current Mathews bow in user reviews is the Phase 4 33 for its combination of stability, accuracy, and quiet shooting. In the 2026 current lineup, the ARC 34 wins on shootability reviews and the Lift XD wins on value-per-dollar reviews.
Where are Mathews bows made?
All Mathews compound bows are made in Sparta, Wisconsin, USA. The factory has been there since founder Matt McPherson started the company in 1992, and every flagship bow ships with a lifetime warranty backed by the Wisconsin-based manufacturer.
Final Verdict: Which Mathews Should You Buy?
The best Mathews compound bow for most hunters in 2026 is the Mathews ARC 34. It’s the flagship that delivers the brand’s signature quiet, dead-in-hand shot, rock-solid backwall, and SWX-2 cam efficiency. If you want a more compact platform, the ARC 30 is the second-best pick. If you want the best value in the current lineup, the Lift XD delivers 90% of the flagship feel at a friendlier price.
For used-market buyers, the V3X remains the smartest pick thanks to its no-bow-press draw adjustments. For accessory upgrades on any Mathews, the SCS Kit is the highest-reviewed quiet-upgrade and the EXO Engage Limb Legs are the best bow stand for Engage-grip bows.
When you’re ready to buy, use the comparison table above to match each bow to your draw length and hunting style. Then grab a replacement bowstring, a sling, and the SCS Kit from the Amazon links to keep your rig dialed for 2026 season. For rangefinder pairing, our best bow hunting rangefinders guide covers the top picks to match with your new Mathews.
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