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Best 10 Flashlights for Everyday Carry, Outdoor Use, and Emergencies in 2026: 9 Picks

Compare pocket lights, rechargeable work options, and high-output flashlights by beam style, charging, and useful extras.

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The best flashlights range from tiny keychain lights to powerful handheld models, so the right choice depends on how far you need to see and how you plan to carry it. These picks cover everyday carry, hands-free work, camping, and emergency use, with practical differences in beam modes, power, and charging.

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High-Output Search Light

OLIGHT Marauder Mini

OLIGHT Marauder Mini
  • Combines a central spotlight with a 7,000-lumen floodlight.
  • Offers green, blue, and red color LEDs.
  • Uses a toggle and rotary knob to select beams and output levels.

Best For: Search tasks and outdoor use that benefit from a focused beam, a wide floodlight, and color options.

Five Beam Configurations for Outdoor Use

OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2

OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2
  • Floodlight output reaches up to 10,000 lumens, and the spotlight reaches 750 meters.
  • Offers five lighting configurations, including combined, red, and side light.
  • Supports both USB-C and MCC charging.

Best For: Outdoor users who want flood, spot, combined, red, and side lighting with USB-C or magnetic charging.

Tail-Switch Control With Included Holster

OLIGHT Warrior 3S

OLIGHT Warrior 3S
  • Offers up to 2,300 lumens and a 300-meter illumination range.
  • Has a two-stage tactical tail switch and four-level indicators.
  • Includes a nylon holster and MCC3 magnetic charging cable.

Best For: Campers and searchers who want a high-output handheld with a proximity sensor and holster.

Dual Charging in a Pocket Handheld

OLIGHT Baton4 Pro

OLIGHT Baton4 Pro
  • Delivers 1,600 lumens and a 200-meter beam.
  • Supports Type-C and MCC magnetic charging.
  • Includes an L stand and has a magnetic tail.

Best For: Pocket carry and repairs where a compact light with magnetic mounting and USB-C charging is useful.

Pocket Light With USB-C Charging Case

OLIGHT Baton4 Premium Edition

OLIGHT Baton4 Premium Edition
  • The flashlight reaches 1,300 lumens and up to 170 meters.
  • The USB-C case can charge a mobile device.
  • Six modes range from moonlight to turbo and strobe.

Best For: EDC users who want a compact flashlight paired with a charging case that can charge a mobile device.

Compact Light With Diffuser

HOTO Flashlight Fit

HOTO Flashlight Fit
  • Provides 280 lumens and reaches up to 200 meters.
  • Offers lighting, flashing, and SOS modes with adjustable brightness.
  • Includes a diffuser for ambient or signaling light.

Best For: Campers and hikers who want a simple rechargeable light with SOS, flashing, and a diffuser.

Rotating Magnetic Task Light

SMALLRIG Rechargeable Mini EDC Flashlight

SMALLRIG Rechargeable Mini EDC Flashlight
  • The 400-lumen beam reaches up to 82 meters.
  • A 180-degree rotatable head works with a clip for flexible placement.
  • Its magnetic base and included diffuser support hands-free task lighting.

Best For: People who need hands-free illumination for repairs, cycling, reading, or light outdoor use.

Clip-On Light for Inspection Tasks

OLIGHT Oclip Pro S

OLIGHT Oclip Pro S
  • Combines white light, UV, RGB, and flashing modes.
  • The 365 nm UV beam supports fluorescence inspection and cleanliness checks.
  • It can be clipped, hung, or magnet-mounted.

Best For: Inspection and work tasks where a clip, magnet, UV, or colored signaling light is useful.

Flat EDC With Four Light Sources

OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra

OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra
  • Combines a 1,700-lumen flood, 800-lumen spotlight, UV, and green beam.
  • The green beam can pair with any of the three other light sources.
  • Supports magnetic USB and USB-C charging.

Best For: Pocket carry and outdoor use that benefit from flood, spot, UV, and green-beam options.

High-Output Search Light

OLIGHT Marauder Mini Powerful Flashlight RGB Lights Orange | 7,000LM and 600M Throw, Magnetic Rechargeable with MCC3,IPX8 Waterproof, LED Light, for Outdoors Work, Hunting, and Searching

OLIGHT Marauder Mini
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The Marauder Mini combines a central spotlight with a surrounding floodlight, giving it a useful range of beam styles for outdoor searching. Its spotlight reaches up to 600 meters, while the floodlight delivers up to 7,000 lumens.

Three RGB colors add options for signaling or other low-light tasks. A toggle selects spotlight or floodlight, and a rotary control cycles through seven output levels.

This is a large-capability handheld option for buyers who want more than a simple pocket light. Its controls and multiple lighting choices make it more involved than a one-mode keychain flashlight, so consider whether you will use those extras.

Best For: Search tasks and outdoor use that benefit from a focused beam, a wide floodlight, and color options.

Pros Cons
  • Two distinct beam styles suit both focused and broad illumination.
  • Seven output levels provide adjustment for different situations.
  • Not specified: charging method and included charging accessories.
  • Not specified: the flashlight's dimensions and weight.

Choose this light if you need both a long-reaching spotlight and broad flood illumination in one handheld tool. The RGB emitters and seven output levels add flexibility, though buyers wanting a simple pocket carry light may prefer a smaller, simpler design.

Check its charging setup and physical size before buying, since those details are not specified here.

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Five Beam Configurations for Outdoor Use

OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2 High Lumen Flashlight 5 Lighting Modes Black

OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2
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The Marauder Mini 2 puts five lighting configurations in one handheld flashlight: floodlight, spotlight, combined spot and flood, red light, and side light. Its floodlight reaches up to 10,000 lumens, and the spotlight reaches up to 750 meters.

A rotary selector chooses the main, red, or side light, while a toggle selects flood, spot, or combined output. The 7,500 mAh battery runs up to five months in moonlight mode, and the light supports USB-C and MCC charging.

Its many controls and modes suit buyers who expect to use that range; for simpler everyday carry, they may be unnecessary.

Best For: Outdoor users who want flood, spot, combined, red, and side lighting with USB-C or magnetic charging.

Pros Cons
  • The configurations cover broad, focused, combined, red, and side illumination.
  • USB-C and MCC provide two charging options.
  • The lanyard also works as a USB-C charging cable.
  • Not specified: runtime outside moonlight mode.
  • Not specified: the flashlight's weight.

Pick the Mini 2 if you expect to use its broad selection of light configurations and charging options outdoors. Its stated five-month runtime applies to moonlight mode, so check runtime for the brightness levels you plan to use.

The multiple selectors offer range, while adding steps when you change modes. Consider whether USB-C or MCC charging better fits your routine.

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Tail-Switch Control With Included Holster

OLIGHT Warrior 3S 2300 Lumens Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight, Compact Dual-Switches LED Bright Light with Proximity Sensor, Powered by Customized Battery for Emergency and Searching (OD Green)

OLIGHT Warrior 3S
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The Warrior 3S is a rechargeable handheld flashlight with a two-stage tactical tail switch for quick operation and a side switch with four-level battery and brightness indicators. It reaches up to 2,300 lumens and a 300-meter illumination range, with Turbo and Strobe modes.

When the light is on high, turbo, or strobe near an object, its proximity sensor lowers brightness. Charging uses the included MCC3 magnetic cable, and a nylon holster comes with it.

This suits outdoor or emergency carry where the switch and holster are useful. Buyers who rely on USB-C should account for the lack of a direct USB-C charging port.

Best For: Campers and searchers who want a high-output handheld with a proximity sensor and holster.

Pros Cons
  • The proximity sensor lowers brightness near objects in specified modes.
  • Battery and brightness indicators sit around the switch.
  • The nylon holster supports storage and quick access.
  • It has no direct USB-C charging port.
  • Not specified: runtime at each brightness setting.

Choose the Warrior 3S if its tail switch, proximity sensor, and included holster suit how you carry or use a light outdoors. It offers a substantial beam reach, but charging relies on the MCC3 magnetic cable rather than a direct USB-C port.

Check whether that cable fits your charging routine, and whether you will use the holster as part of your setup.

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Dual Charging in a Pocket Handheld

OLIGHT Baton4 Pro EDC Flashlight Rechargeable, Small Pocket Light Black | 1600 Lumens, Bright LED Flash Light,Tactical Switch, Magnetic&USB C Charging, IPX8 Waterproof for Home, Camping and Emergency

OLIGHT Baton4 Pro
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The Baton4 Pro pairs a compact handheld form with up to 1,600 lumens and a 200-meter beam. Its six modes range from moonlight to turbo and strobe, while indicators show brightness and battery status.

Charging is available through USB-C or the MCC magnetic system; the USB-C port is under the tailcap. A magnetic tail and included L stand allow hands-free placement on metal surfaces, and the two-way clip attaches to a hat, bag, or belt.

This combination makes it useful for everyday carry, camping, and repairs. Before choosing it, consider whether the hidden charging port and the unspecified runtime at higher brightness levels fit your needs.

Best For: Pocket carry and repairs where a compact light with magnetic mounting and USB-C charging is useful.

Pros Cons
  • The recessed metal side switch supports one-handed mode selection.
  • USB-C and magnetic charging offer two ways to recharge.
  • The magnetic tail and L stand support hands-free placement.
  • The USB-C port is hidden under the tailcap, which must be unscrewed to access it.
  • Not specified: runtime at high or turbo brightness.

This Baton model fits buyers who want a compact handheld for pockets, camping, or repairs and value two charging options. Its magnetic tail, stand, and clip provide several placement choices, while six modes cover more than simple on-off use.

Check that the tailcap access works for your charging routine, and look for runtime information at your preferred brightness.

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Pocket Light With USB-C Charging Case

OLIGHT Baton4 Premium Edition EDC Flashlights 1300 Lumens with Type-C Charging Box, Powered by Rechargeable Battery, Small Bright Light IPX8 Waterproof for Emergencies, Outdoors (Fighter Pilot)

OLIGHT Baton4 Premium Edition
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The Baton4 Premium Edition pairs a compact flashlight with a charging case that can recharge the light and a mobile device through USB-C. The flashlight reaches 1,300 lumens and up to 170 meters, with six modes from moonlight to turbo and strobe.

A built-in magnet and two-way clip help position it for hands-free use, while indicators show brightness and battery status. The case has a digital battery display, and it supports storing and charging certain other Olight lights.

Its runtime figure of up to 190 days applies to the case. Consider whether the case's added charging function is useful enough to include in your everyday carry.

Best For: EDC users who want a compact flashlight paired with a charging case that can charge a mobile device.

Pros Cons
  • A magnet and two-way clip support hands-free use.
  • The case adds a digital battery display and brightness adjustment.
  • The case can charge a mobile device through USB-C.
  • The up-to-190-day runtime figure applies to the case, not the flashlight alone.
  • Not specified: the flashlight's runtime without the charging case.

Choose the Premium Edition if a charging case is useful alongside a compact 1,300-lumen light. The case can charge the flashlight and a mobile device through USB-C, but its up-to-190-day runtime figure belongs to the case, not the flashlight alone.

Check what charging accessories you need and whether the case's added bulk suits your everyday carry.

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Compact Light With Diffuser

HOTO Flashlight Fit, LED Rechargeable, USB-C Charging, 3 Modes, Up to 24 Hours, 1500mAh, 280 Lumens, 656ft, IP55 Waterproof, Compact Flashlight Widely Used in Camping, Hiking, Emergency

HOTO Flashlight Fit
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The HOTO Flashlight Fit offers a straightforward rechargeable setup with three modes: lighting, flashing, and SOS. Its output is 280 lumens, with a stated reach of 200 meters, and the 1,500 mAh battery provides up to 24 hours of operation.

USB-C charging and a stepless brightness adjustment add convenience for everyday use or outdoor trips. The package includes a cord and a light diffuser that softens the beam for signaling or ambient light.

An IP55 dustproof and water-resistant design addresses splashes and spills. This is a useful choice for buyers seeking a modest, rechargeable flashlight with a diffuser rather than a broad set of specialized beam types.

Best For: Campers and hikers who want a simple rechargeable light with SOS, flashing, and a diffuser.

Pros Cons
  • USB-C charging and a 1,500 mAh battery support rechargeable use.
  • The diffuser can soften the beam for signaling or ambient light.
  • IP55 protection covers dust and water splashes or spills.
  • Not specified: runtime at each brightness level.
  • Not specified: whether charging cable is included.

The Flashlight Fit is a sensible match for buyers who want rechargeable power, basic emergency modes, and a diffuser for softer use. Its 280-lumen output and 200-meter reach give it a different role from the highest-output search lights in this guide.

Check the included charging accessories and consider whether its three modes cover your needs.

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Rotating Magnetic Task Light

SMALLRIG Rechargeable Mini EDC Flashlight, Magnetic Pocket-Sized LED Light

SMALLRIG Rechargeable Mini EDC Flashlight
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The SMALLRIG mini EDC flashlight is designed for portable task lighting. Its 400-lumen main beam reaches up to 82 meters, while a secondary RGB light offers seven colors, beacon, and SOS options.

A 180-degree rotatable head, clip, and magnetic base help direct or mount the light for hands-free work. It recharges through Type-C in about 1.5 hours, and runtime ranges from 50 minutes on high to 65 hours on the lowest setting.

The compact design also includes a diffuser and a threaded base for photography or video setups. Match its brightness and runtime tradeoff to the work you expect it to do.

Best For: People who need hands-free illumination for repairs, cycling, reading, or light outdoor use.

Pros Cons
  • The secondary RGB light provides seven colors plus beacon and SOS modes.
  • Type-C charging takes about 1.5 hours.
  • A 1/4-inch threaded hole and diffuser support photography and video use.
  • Runtime is up to 50 minutes on high brightness.
  • Not specified: battery capacity.

Choose the SMALLRIG if you often need a hands-free task light. Its rotating head, magnetic base, clip, and diffuser provide mounting options beyond a conventional handheld beam.

Runtime varies with brightness, so consider whether up to 50 minutes on high is enough for your work or whether low-mode endurance matters more.

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Clip-On Light for Inspection Tasks

OLIGHT Oclip Pro S EDC Flashlight Clip-on Light, 600 Lumens Type-C Rechargeable with White LED, UV and RGB, Magnetic Flash Lights for Working, Signaling, Inspection and Outdoor Use (Black)

OLIGHT Oclip Pro S
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The Oclip Pro S is a compact clip-on light with white, UV, RGB, and flashing modes. Its white light reaches up to 600 lumens, and the 365 nm UV beam supports fluorescence inspection, counterfeit detection, and cleanliness checks.

Red, green, and blue modes can help with night use, location marking, or visual identification. Clip, hang, or magnet-mount it for hands-free tasks at home or outdoors.

USB-C charging and up to 144 hours of runtime in moonlight mode support regular carry, though that runtime applies to the lowest light setting. Its built-in rechargeable battery is non-removable, so buyers who prefer replaceable cells should factor that into their choice.

Best For: Inspection and work tasks where a clip, magnet, UV, or colored signaling light is useful.

Pros Cons
  • Several mounting options enable hands-free use.
  • UV mode supports specific inspection tasks.
  • Moonlight mode runtime reaches up to 144 hours.
  • The built-in rechargeable battery is non-removable.
  • Not specified: runtime at maximum white-light output.

This clip-on light fits inspection and task use where mounting flexibility, UV, or RGB options matter more than a conventional long-range beam. Its moonlight runtime is long, but does not describe brighter settings.

Check whether the fixed battery and specialized modes suit your needs, especially if you want a straightforward general-purpose flashlight.

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Flat EDC With Four Light Sources

OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra EDC Flat Flashlight, Rechargeable Portable Flash Light, 1700 Lumens with White LED, UV and Green Beam for Working, Emergency, Camping, Everyday Carry (Onyx Black)

OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra
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The ArkPro Ultra combines four light sources in a flat EDC flashlight: a 1,700-lumen flood, an 800-lumen spotlight, a 365 nm UV light, and a green beam. The flood illuminates a broad area, while the focused spotlight is suited to seeing farther.

UV has low and high modes for tasks such as revealing stains or checking for leaks. The green beam can pair with any of the other three sources, creating seven configurations.

A rotatable switch and dual-way clip support pocket use, and its magnetic base attaches to metal surfaces. Charging works by magnetic USB cable or USB-C.

The rechargeable battery is permanently integrated into the flashlight body.

Best For: Pocket carry and outdoor use that benefit from flood, spot, UV, and green-beam options.

Pros Cons
  • Four light sources provide seven configurations.
  • The magnetic base and dual-way clip provide flexible placement.
  • Separate indicators show brightness and battery status.
  • The rechargeable battery is permanently integrated and non-removable.
  • Not specified: maximum spotlight beam distance.

Pick the ArkPro Ultra if you want a flat carry shape with broad and focused white light plus UV and green-beam functions. Its seven configurations offer flexibility, while the non-removable battery may not suit buyers who want to swap cells.

Consider whether the specialized modes and dual charging options match how you will carry and use it.

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How to Choose Flashlights

How We Picked Best Flashlights

We chose distinct flashlight types for different needs: compact EDC models, magnetic task lights, multi-mode handhelds, and high-output search options. Each pick includes clear product details about its beam, carry approach, charging, or useful extras so readers can compare practical tradeoffs.

A general flashlight roundup should account for more than a peak brightness figure. Beam shape, output range, mounting options, battery and charging setup, and specialized modes can matter just as much for everyday carry, work, camping, or emergency storage.

Comparing Best Flashlights

The largest differences are beam reach and versatility. The Marauder models prioritize strong flood or spotlight output, while the Baton4 Pro and Premium Edition offer a smaller EDC format with magnetic placement; the Premium adds a charging case.

The SMALLRIG and Oclip Pro S emphasize hands-free task use through their clips or magnetic mounts, with RGB or UV lighting for specialized jobs.

Charging varies across the group. The Baton4 Pro supports USB-C and magnetic charging, the Premium Edition adds a USB-C charging case, the HOTO Fit uses USB-C, and the Warrior 3S relies on its MCC3 magnetic cable.

Check which cables and accessories suit your setup, and compare runtime only at the brightness level you expect to use.

ProductStandout featuresBest for
OLIGHT Marauder MiniCheck Price
  • Combines a central spotlight with a 7,000-lumen floodlight.
  • Offers green, blue, and red color LEDs.
Search tasks and outdoor use that benefit from a focused beam, a wide floodlight, and color options.
OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2Check Price
  • Floodlight output reaches up to 10,000 lumens, and the spotlight reaches 750 meters.
  • Offers five lighting configurations, including combined, red, and side light.
Outdoor users who want flood, spot, combined, red, and side lighting with USB-C or magnetic charging.
OLIGHT Warrior 3SCheck Price
  • Offers up to 2,300 lumens and a 300-meter illumination range.
  • Has a two-stage tactical tail switch and four-level indicators.
Campers and searchers who want a high-output handheld with a proximity sensor and holster.
OLIGHT Baton4 ProCheck Price
  • Delivers 1,600 lumens and a 200-meter beam.
  • Supports Type-C and MCC magnetic charging.
Pocket carry and repairs where a compact light with magnetic mounting and USB-C charging is useful.
OLIGHT Baton4 Premium EditionCheck Price
  • The flashlight reaches 1,300 lumens and up to 170 meters.
  • The USB-C case can charge a mobile device.
EDC users who want a compact flashlight paired with a charging case that can charge a mobile device.
HOTO Flashlight FitCheck Price
  • Provides 280 lumens and reaches up to 200 meters.
  • Offers lighting, flashing, and SOS modes with adjustable brightness.
Campers and hikers who want a simple rechargeable light with SOS, flashing, and a diffuser.
SMALLRIG Rechargeable Mini EDC FlashlightCheck Price
  • The 400-lumen beam reaches up to 82 meters.
  • A 180-degree rotatable head works with a clip for flexible placement.
People who need hands-free illumination for repairs, cycling, reading, or light outdoor use.
OLIGHT Oclip Pro SCheck Price
  • Combines white light, UV, RGB, and flashing modes.
  • The 365 nm UV beam supports fluorescence inspection and cleanliness checks.
Inspection and work tasks where a clip, magnet, UV, or colored signaling light is useful.
OLIGHT ArkPro UltraCheck Price
  • Combines a 1,700-lumen flood, 800-lumen spotlight, UV, and green beam.
  • The green beam can pair with any of the three other light sources.
Pocket carry and outdoor use that benefit from flood, spot, UV, and green-beam options.

Choosing a Flashlight for Everyday Carry

For pocket carry, look at the flashlight's shape, clip, weight, and battery arrangement. Flat lights like the ArkPro Ultra keep a low-profile form and add several light sources, while the Baton4 options use a more conventional compact handheld design.

The Oclip Pro S clips or hangs from gear when a separate flashlight in your pocket is less convenient.

If you want a keychain light, prioritize access and charging convenience over long-range illumination. Tiny lights serve as close-range backup; a 400-lumen task light such as the SMALLRIG offers more output and mounting flexibility for repairs or campsite work.

Picking a Flashlight for Camping and Emergencies

A focused spotlight helps when you need to see farther, while a floodlight lights a broader nearby area. The Marauder Mini and Mini 2 include both beam styles, and the Mini 2 adds combined, red, and side-light configurations.

For a simpler camp or emergency light, the HOTO Fit adds SOS and flashing modes plus a diffuser for softer ambient light.

Pay attention to runtime by mode rather than relying on the longest figure alone. The SMALLRIG's runtime ranges from 50 minutes on high to 65 hours on low, while the Marauder Mini 2's five-month figure applies to moonlight mode.

Consider where you will recharge a light and whether a built-in, non-removable battery fits your preparedness plans.

Who Should Buy Which Flashlight

Choose a Marauder model for high-output search or outdoor use, the Baton4 Pro for compact carry with dual charging, or the Premium Edition if a charging case is useful. The Warrior 3S fits buyers who want a tactical tail switch and holster, while the SMALLRIG suits hands-free repairs and the Oclip Pro S adds UV and RGB options for inspection tasks.

For a compact general-purpose choice, compare the HOTO Fit's three modes and diffuser with the Baton4 models' higher output and magnetic mounting. Let your likely task, preferred beam, carry style, and charging routine guide the decision.

Written by

granvilleislandworks.com Editorial Team

Editorial team

granvilleislandworks.com publishes practical how-to guides and educational articles with clear steps and useful context.

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OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2

OLIGHT Marauder Mini 2

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Best for: Outdoor users who want flood, spot, combined, red, and side lighting with USB-C or magnetic charging.

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