HOW TO HACK THE GAGGIA CLASSIC PRO: 3 Tips to Enhance Your Experience
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- Many of you subscribers own the Gaggia Classic Pro and have been requesting videos on one for some time. Thankfully, my Patreon community made this a reality! I hope you enjoy!
Below are the time stamps to easily navigate this video as well as resources I relied on to create the video.
If this video helps you, please consider liking the video and subscribing!
Time Cues:
0:00- Introduction
1:57- 3 Hacks
3:30- Temperature Surfing
9:50- "Poor Man's" Preinfusion
14:06- Milk Steaming Hack
16:08- Hacks in Action (AKA faking the machine out)
20:34- Surprise Special Guest
21:02- Back to Hacks
27:46- Bonus Hack for Steam Pressure
30:35- Looking to the Part 2
Join my Patreon community at:
/ lancehedrick
Find me on IG at:
/ lancehedrick
Find me on Facebook at:
/ lancehedrickcoffee
Discord referenced- Espresso Afficionado Discord:
/ discord
EAF Resources:
espressoaf.com/
Steam Pressure Hack-
• How to Get Better Stea...
Graph- coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/1865...
Reddit Workflow- www.reddit.com/r/espresso/com...
Video for Back-to-back shots-
• Classic_Thermal_Stabil...
Alternative Temperature Surfing Discussions-
coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/2224... - Розваги
Thanks for the shout-out on the steam pressure hack! ☕️
Must not live on the east coast, we got enough water to not feel guilty about wasting 10 oz.
@whole Latte Love I love my red refurb!
The steam wand was worthless for steam wand eggs!
So I replaced the tip with the no burn easy clean silocone nozzle from a Stilosa.
Other than that loving it as it sits. But I am positive that warranty will be voided before six months.
Many thanks for a great deal. My management is thrilled. Excellent partner acceptance.
ua-cam.com/users/shortsN4KxD4s3T1E?feature=share
Great video. I bought this machine last year and I really like it. But been struggling with slowing down my espresso. It comes out fast. I do get good crema but only with the pressurized portafilter basket. Not sure if it’s cause I have a off the shelf grinder but the grind is between salt and sugar consistency. I love the machine but wish I could get the espresso to come down slower. I will definitely try what u suggested in the video. Thanks so much 🇨🇦☕️
I’ve been using my GCP for months and keep getting spotty results and never could figure out my issue. The temp surfing and tip to let the whole machine warm for a long time- absolute game changer. Thank you!
This video is one of the most helpful guides I’ve found for this machine. Excellent content!!!
When I see your videos pop up I smile, then get that Christmas morning feeling and hit play as fast as possible! Keep being amazing.
Lance I have had my GCP for 6 months and I have done most of the mods! I pulled a shot using the temperature surfacing this morning. It tastes incredible this is a game changer! Cheers
Hey Will, how are you liking your GCP?
@@ragej3832you don't need anything more. It pulls like a really good machine if you know what you're doing
@@haighadjian4867 What a useful response! However, thinking about it - surely you get the best out of any machine or process in life "if you know what you're doing".....
I don't have a GCP nor do I intend on buying one but I really appreciated this video. I love learning about all things related to coffee and you do such a great job of sharing your knowledge and have a wonderful sense of humor. Always ready to hit that like button, man. Cheers.
Thank you so much, Jeff! I appreciate the support so much
I've been surfing temps without knowing what I'm doing. This really explained it to me, and I've almost been doing it like this without even knowing. I emptied the brew head a little bit (but not enough) and then I flicked the steam switch (way too much). My first shot doing it properly and I got some really nice citrusy notes with MUCH more body. What a difference it made. Now I can have some consistency at least until I pull the trigger on a full PID and dimmer system. Thank you!!
I just bought a Gaggia, these videos are super informative! Thankyou so much for your hard work!
Just got a refurbed Gaggia Classic a month ago as my first espresso machine and learning new stuff every day - this video is another on the must see list for me, or anyone who has a Gaggia. Lots of info, clever ways of using the machine to the max. I've changed my basket for a VST (I'm in the UK) and things have improved a lot. Having to go quite fine for timings but it's a work in progress. Thanks for the video 👌👍
The GCP has a 3oz boiler, so if you want to save some water when temp surfing you can drain about that much to ensure the boiler is refilled with cold water from the tank. It takes a bit longer for the reheat cycle to begin, so I usually do it before I prep my shot, then boost the temperature with the steam switch right before I start pulling it.
Yes. I haven’t run out of hot water using this trick even for longer shots
Dude, I have learned more from this video than any other. I no longer need to install a PID to accomplish what you just demonstrated. Thank you so much for taking the time. Nice dog too.
Struggling for months now to get consistent Espresso with my Gaggia Classic Pro. With the temperature surfing hack it works now. Thank you a lot!!
I'm blown away by the difference this pre-infusion hack makes. I'm a bit of a noob to be honest but even I noticed how much better my espresso tastes.
Useful tips + great personality + cute dog + good coffee + perfect latte art = 10/10 video
Really helpful intro to the machine and some useful tips. Awaiting delivery of ours in the next day or so. Thanks!
Really cool, the gaggia classic pro was my first espresso machine and I still use it. I'm going to try the temp surfing right now ! Keep on doing such great content I never a miss a video.
Thank you! Means a lot. Thanks for the support!
Lance,you are the most thorough and clear describer of things
I appreciate the way you have presented this material. Thank you.
Lance, I really appreciate that you show us your gears. Really love to see professionals in their element even though I make just 2 espresso drinks every day on a simple Breville machine. Stay awesome my friend.
Great video, i know it takes longer to do but I appreciate that show the techniques multiple times to help the viewer solidify the technique to memory 🙂
Idk how I missed this one till now but this ep gets me all excited! :) Thank you!
Awesome! Just modded the GCP and will be doing the follow up vid soon!
Thanks for posting this; looking forward to the rest of the series!
Thank you for watching and supporting!
Excellent information. I appreciate the amount of content covered in this amount of time.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve just bought a Niche grinder and waiting for my classic pro to arrive. I’d ordered these before I’d watched this video. Great video I’m looking forward to seeing the updates. Cheers from Scotland.
Recently got a Gaggia Classic and while I am looking to mod it I want to get the most of it now while I wait for parts to arrive.
Thank you for your helpful and informative video, this was just what I needed.
Oh yes! I recently had bought one as my first espresso machine. I love this machine! Thanks for the amazing video, Lance! Keep up the good work. ;)
Me too! Love the GAGGIA Classic Pro!
Great vid, Lance!
Thanks for doing this video. I have had a GCP for several months and have been trying to time when I started the brew after flushing the head. Wasn't sure if it was the best part of the temperature cycle for brewing, but I was prioritizing consistency. and it has been pretty consistent. Will be trying your method for sure
Really in depth, I love the detail you put into your videos. And while I haven't purchased an espresso machine yet, watching this makes me further cement my decision to buy manual machine when I do 😆 Flair 58 here I come!
Hi Lance, you just popped up on my feed. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I got a new Gaggia Classic Pro last January and been loving it a lot. Marc at WLL suggested that I go for the GCP. I've seen most of the videos on YT about this machine. Been using these hacks and I'm getting pretty good shots. I did the OPV mod and got a "tune up kit" with a brass shower plate a precision screen and a silicone group gasket. By the way, the silicone lets the portafilter click in a lot more easily. Looking forward to the next video.
Update: I tried your temperature surfing technique with great success. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
I finally got the shot I've been striving for. 😊
That latte art at the end. So beautiful!
Incredible content as usual Lance! One thing I’m not quite clear on, does it matter when you flush (in terms of where the boiler is in the heat cycle)? For instance, should I start to flush as soon as the light comes on or does it matter?
The pre-infusion hack is really bleeding off water pressure from the circuit. Brilliant. Lance is such a smart guy.
Great tips Lance! 👍 My single boiler machine has pressure gauge, so when I turn stream knob I can see pressure while pre-infusion, but it is too hard to make pressure profiling on it and so much waste of water. For pre-infusion I normally go with the full pressure for few seconds and turn the steam switch on the machine will cut the water to brew head and all water will go to OPV back to reservoir.
Nice video
Love this video! Not just because of the content but when your counting down at 22.40 mins I couldn't help but dance my head side to side 😅
Great video as always! Can’t wait for the modded version of the GCP
Great video Lance!. I have a Gaggia classic Evo 2023 and I followed what you have said about the temp surfing, what I discovered is that, after waiting for the first 10 second (for the medium roasted coffee) you need at least 7 to 10 second of boiler heating time before you pull the shot. maybe thats the new gaggia but after waiting 7 to 10 second of steam button time, you will be able to taste the fruity note. for the dark roast, I think that 5 second that you said is enough but most of the time shot is not hot enough, so I would recommend trying 6 to 7 second. By the way, I am your huge fan, keep it up!
So you'd recommend temp surfing on the new EVO model as well? My friend just got this machine and I want to give them good tips.
I would say yes, my recommendation is to install the PID, then workflow is much easier and only then you can start experimenting. Temp surfing is good, but when it comes to using a rather cheap coffee beans(which we all do, not everybody can spend so much money on regular basis for fresh speciality coffee) and switching between different coffee beans, getting a right temp become pain in the ass. In my opinion, there is no different between EVO and the previous models in temp fluctuation.@@bluemystic7501
Great video, thanks for your informative take on the GCP. I'm over here wondering what cups you're using for the espresso?
Thank you for the temp surfing trick. Water is perfect for making oatmeal as part of the morning workflow.
Have Gaggia classic pro with:
1. PID for brewing (no steam PID)
2. 155 C steam thermostat upgrade for higher steam pressure.
3. Shorter brewing pressure spring for ~9 bars pressure (DIY).
4. Cafelat gasket and upgraded shower screen.
5. Bottomless portafilter.
PID and 9 bars pressure springs are must have!
All the other stuff is optional and it's completely fine without it.
With baratza 270 grinder I'm able to get pretty decent shots, but I'm still so bad in latte art 😂
Are there lower bar pressure springs for the Gaggia? I'm debating moving on from a Flair and like the lower pressure, high contact time on shots.
Very nice! Thank you for sharing!
@@bfilippers there's a kit from Shades of Coffee that has springs 9 and 6.5 bars. So you can get in that turbo shot territory.
Thank you for giving the celsius conversion!!
Awesome Lance, great tips! I'll see if I can use some of them in my Ascaso Dream
Do it! If any work, report back!
Hi Lance, loved the video on the Classic pro. I'm sitting here in Melbourne , Australia having a brandy and pod coffee and waiting for the delivery of my Gaggia on the 22nd. all i need now is the grinder and about another few hundred bucks worth of accessories ! Thanks for the tips RustyB
Make sure to invest I a grinder with high quality burrs.
Great video Lance. I just bought the GCP and looking to start modding it. I also have the niche grinder. What grind setting did you use in this example please? I'm still experimenting with the niche and my current light roasted beans.
This guy has improved my espresso game a lot.
What a great video! Thank you
Thanks for the info on steaming, and how to time it. I’m still learning on this machine and have had patchy results from steaming the milk; I couldn’t understand why sometimes I could get excellent creamy milk but then next time get something flat.Now I’ve got a better understanding.❤
That's great! So glad you found the video helpful ;)
Removing the drip tray is a G A M E changer. Thanks Lance
Haha thanks! Glad it's helpful!
Lance! Thank you for the video! As a Classic owner I've tried timing how long it takes your Gaggia Classic PRO to cycle between the light being on & off since I had a feeling mine was doing it A LOT faster. Stopwatch says 12-13 seconds, when timing your video. I've got the 1st gen, some 15 year old machine, and I'm also in EU on 220V and I've read in some reviews and/or forum/reddit posts that older machine had a stronger heating element and/or that 220V version heats up faster. Might be one of those things. Might be both. Long story short (and my short versions are as short as yours, apparently), mine takes 5-6 seconds to turn the light back on once it goes off! Interesting.
'the machine's an idiot' - actually laughed out loud. Great video
Thank you, Lance!
The steam pressure drops off because of two things: the thermostat kicks in and switches the heat off and the 100ml boiler starts to run dry. Timing the start of the steam is a great hack to solve the first. Another hack is to pulse the pump (i.e. the brew switch) whilst steaming. With the right amount of water coming into the boiler, the thermostat will not kick in and the light will never come on. (Apologies if someone else has already said this - there are about 300 other comments before mine!)
How to pulse the pump?
@@mmt8 Switch the brew switch on for half a second every few seconds.
Just beautiful episode and informative yet I need the grey sweats back please.
Thank you for all of the great information and work flows for this machine. I’ve been using the GCP for about 5 months now. thank you for the temp surfing hack, it did wonders for the taste of the espresso. one question I have concerning the stream wand hack is when I remove the tray after pulling my shot, the portafilter drips onto my counter making a bit of a mess, is that normal for my puck to drip so much? or should I be removing the portafilter right after pulling the shot as you did? Thank you again for the wealth of information you’ve provided on this machine.
Yeah the PF will drip some, for sure. I'd recommend removing it and just leaving it on the tray you remove!
Thats Boss! More steps to add t my process! Thanks!
Hi Lance, very good video. I don't want to have to do this whole procedure every day and I didn't feel confident doing the PID mod. So how do you rate a GCP espresso with just a 9 bar spring? An espresso far from decent?
this is amazing. hilarious too. thoroughly enjoyed it =D
thanks for the video,very helpful. how many quarters do you rotate the steam valve for pre infusion?
Thank you Lance. Love this video and so many others you’ve done. I’m pondering *strokesMingGoatie* of either messing about mor with my gagging classic (not even a pro) or bite the bullet and one of those sexy beasts in your vid, The Decent. After this video and the great links you posted it’s certainly a champagne problem. All the best from mizzly Belfast
I have the same Gaggia at work. My hack to make better espresso is my entry level Rancilio Sylvia. It's by far a better machine for a little more money. The Rancilio pumps espresso better and the hot froth steam is much stronger. The Gaggia can make a drink for 1-3 people, but starts to choke thereafter. So the moral of the story is: if you plan to have a dinner party to make espresso for many people - get the Rancilio.
I think that depends a lot on where you are, in the UK I can (and did) get the GCP (aka new gaggia classic) for £350, while the Silvia is £550 (occasionally seen for £475). With a limited budget, I think that extra £200 is much better spent towards a better grinder.
Great job! Everything is clear and understandable. Thanks! Like and subscription.)
I just got this machine. Using only those tricks from this video i got great shots. Amzing.
I don’t own a Gaggia, but I’m still going to watch how to hack it 😅
Same
Lance posts a new video, I watch regardless! 😁
2:53 “silky milky” didn’t sit well with me for some reason lol
Haha why is that? It's actually a quite common term in the coffee world, especially in Australia
@@LanceHedrick I’ve never heard it before and I guess initially it sounds dirty. I’m afraid to google it to see where it’s prevalent haha.
Thanks for the tips. Does water cool down a bit by the time it goes through the portafilter and into a pitcher? I could never get the temp to above 180F. I had a termometer in the pitcher as I was collecting water...And ive tried multiple thermometer and was getting the same reading. So, I wasn't sure if it just loses temp by the time its in the pitcher or if I just i'm not able to hit that 195+ temp.
THANK YOU!!! These first two tips are out there on the interwebs, but this perfectly compiled them into one easy-to-understand, well-explained video. I can't wait to try steaming with the tray out. I wish I'd seen this 9 months ago when I bought my Gaggia.
Also, a tip, if I may be so bold: when I purge the group to force the boiler on, I save time and water by only doing a 9-count (instead of waiting for the light to go out). The light goes out a few seconds after I flip the brew switch back off (on mine).
I definitely recommend the Whole Latte Love steam hack, also. Don't let the light come on before you start steaming.
Can you help me decide between Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Barista Express
@@kb4koolboyz get the Breville Barista Express I wished I had.
@@ImACarbonCopyWhy?
@@1337murk simply put it's a better more high-tech machine. I have the Gaggia down perfectly now. but it was quite the learning curve. with a Gaggia Pro there is no way to control the temperature other than manually manipulating the way use the machine. I love my Gaggia pro now but my goodness I did not like it in the beginning it took a while
@@ImACarbonCopy ah ok makes sense. How about with the Gaggia mods? I'm about to order a Gaggia classic pro and mod it
Really I don’t know how to thanks you ❤. Just after this video love my gaggia and my espresso.
This was the machine that I considered for my first espresso machine. So deep is the rabbit hole that is home espresso making that I ended up opting for an Expobar Office Leva mkIV Dual Boiler instead. Since replaced that with a Sage (Breville) Dual Boiler (as seen to the left of Lance’s setup) and a Niche Zero grinder (amongst multiple others!).
I love it! The hole gets so deep! Haha
Thanks from a new Gaggia Owner : )
OMG , had to pause for some doggie love.. Freaking Beautiful !!!
Think I'd love this machine, but as a beginner, I'm not sure I'm interested in doing all these tricks to eek out performance. Thoughts on this vs the bambino plus for a newcomer? I'm planning on pairing it with a 1zpresso J-Max hand grinder.
Hi Lance - Thanks for this great video. I have a Gaggia coming in soon and looking forward to experimenting, before going full mod with your other video. Was the tamper you have the Decent? Do you have a naked portafilter upgrade recommendation? Just want to preemptively get a few accessories to set myself up for success. Thanks!
PS - I saw you on Sunday at the Latte Art Comp in NYC. How did you fair overall?
I love the naked filter.. if nothing else it, it its a good visual. Also, I think it helps you dial in your shot, as you get a better look at the coffee as it pours out
Lance, now you've had some time with the GCP, how would you rate it - unmodified - versus a Breville/Sage machine like the Barista Express? You're more likely to have consistent temperature on the Breville, right? Any other pros/cons? I know a lot of people say the 58mm is key but most of those same people seem to say that because of access to more after market baskets and portafilters 🤷 thanks!
Little bit geeky; I’ll try these hacks. Thanks!
That was the best shot from this damn machine. I've been trying to get something palatable. This was good in fact. I didn't make a shot with old machine.
Smart and generous to do GPC videos
A must video for every Gaggia owner
Hey here a bit more less water wasting temp surfing (maybe it just works with newer maschines that auto shut off after a fixed amount of time) :
I'll turn on my Maschine let it heat up until it shuts off automatically. I think thats about 20 minutes for convenience stop the time once.
When it hast turned of I start grinding my coffe then fill the portafilter and insert it + set up scale and cup before turning on.Then turn the Maschine on. then it just takes a few Seconds until the light turns on. Another Bonus to that ist that the scale and cup are already set up. Before I've done it like that it always was a hassle to get the timing right especially if u got no bottomless portafilter + bulky scale
The temp surfing is the same timing wise like here there is just no water waste like to get the light off.
Are these hacks exclusive to the GCP or do you think they would work on a different single boiler machine? I have one coming that isn't this machine, it's a bezzera new hobby, but i am really hoping the temperature surfing works on it as well. Thoughts?
Just ordered one earlier for Christmas 🎄 gift to myself and my partner. 🤗
Man you are awesome, thanks
Thank you so much! I'm happy that you enjoyed it
Dude love the content, but I would love for you to do a video on guidance for intro espresso machines. As of now I’m tossed up between this one, the breville infuser or the rancilo Silva.
Thanks for the helpful video. I'm using distilled water in my machine. Can I just recycle the "wasted" water back into the reservoir once it's cooled down?
Really great video! Unfortunately I do not have a Gaggia but a rancilio Silvia! Would those hacks be applicable to the Silvia too?
I'm not sure! I doubt it since they are made quite differently, but I know there are hacks that can be used! Especially if it is a single boiler, I'd imagine there is a steam wand trick
Really love the design on this one. Is it worth an upgrade if I atm run a Dedica with bottomless portafilter and Rancillio steam wand ? Really like the result from the Dedica, but this machine seems such more sturdy.
Lance the real deal!!!!
Thank you so much! Appreciate the support
Great video! How do the total extraction times work with 8sec pre-infusion? Do you just add the 8 secs to the total time you’re looking for for the desired yield?
I tried this on my Rancilio Silvia today. And somehow the total time seems to go down compared to no pre infusion. I measure the shot by weight and stop when I have around 36g.
@@yvindbirkeland7706 Thanks for the response!
We’re the smart ones here! Preach Lance!
Hahaha! Tricked the machine twice!
Thanks Lance, very informative for us newby GCP users. Would it be harder to steam 6 oz of milk on a 20 oz pitcher vs a 12 oz pitcher?
The rule with pitchers is never more than 40% full and never less than 30% full
I was excited and got a Gaggia Classics in the hope of being able to repair it took me a whole year lol had to then put my hands up
Oh no! Sorry that happened!
Completely new to this crazy stuff, but I wanna try something to simplify.
I've got a stock GCP, and I'll have a 9 bar spring soon, and a bottomless portafilter as well, but not yet.
the usual starting routine.
1) Start the machine.
2) grind, tamper, put the basket in.
2) Wait 5 mins, wait for light. machine is at high pressure, high temps.
When ready :
3) open the steam wand a little, vent some hot water and high pressure, for 3-5 secs.
4) press brew button.
5) close steam wand gradually, until your shot is ready.
Should start with slightly lower temp, and lower pressure. Then as the wand gets closed, the pressure increases and temperature equalises. Effectively, use the steam wand knob as a pressure and temp control lever.
Think it will be interesting with the bottomless, see if I can make a shot without spurting coffee all over the place, by reducing the pressure at the start.
Lance. Good video. I have a gaggia classic pro and gaggia classic. I did the opv mods to 6.5 bar. I also did the pid mod. But one mod i did thats rarely discussed is the one that replaces the steam hack for preinfusion. Its only 20usd. Its PWM which connects to the pump. Its a simple install. It works very well to start at very low pressure right like you did with shot you did steam knob hack. If you want to know more let me know as i think it would really help video part 2 as few discuss this on forums though Peter Horvath will have boost box out soon with PWM and gauge. But this is even easier and simple.
Shoot me the info to buy at kylelancehedrick@gmail.com
Hi jeffrey nester, could you please give a little more info on the PWM mod.? Sounds like something I would like to try
I emailed you info
btw, the heat up time is not so much for the portafilter and group head heating up, the material of these things has high thermal conductivity meaning it will heat up very quickly... the waiting period is mostly for the water
Thanks Lance, great videos.
I’ve just bought a Gaggia and so far love it. About to buy a grinder but can’t decide between the Niche or Eureka mignon specialita. I prefer darker roasts with a lot of texture. Any thoughts?
TBH both will do well. I prefer the specialita by a decent shot but the niche has superior workflow and dialing in! But tastewise, I prefer specialita for sure.
@@LanceHedrick thank you for the advice!
this is a great channel! following this more accessible line of products, could you review the baratza sette 30?
Thank you! And if you get the sette 30, make sure to upgrade to the 270 steps. Or just get the 270. The 30 isn't worth it for espresso. Need more options
Agreed. I got the 30 and needed to upgrade it with the 270 steps. Still saved money over the *actual* 270.
Hey! This is a cool channel I just discovered!
thanks for sharing
Absolutely! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Thanks a lot for all the tips and tricks, changes the taste that much. One thing i noticed, the old Gaggia Classic (2005) have an adjustable overpressure valve. Saddly the new one does not have it. It's because, i thought of bying a new one, because mine is very noisy. So maybe it's better to change the pump only and keep the old model.
Btw, can you please tell me, what cups you are using (the white ones) because they look very nice. Thanks a lot.
Magnolia Mountain is where I bought them! Thanks for watching!
Lance, Do you see a lot of difference between this Gaggia and the Quick Mill Pippa? I have two options: buy the quick mill OR buy the Gaggia and after one year or two upgrade for a dual boiler italian machine… what’s your thoughts?
hi there! lance! thanks for all the great videos with loads of trix! i have send your videos on latte art to the local caffe ,since i overheard the you girls behind the counter asking for instructions on steaming, and the instrucktions where so lame i had to interfear haha! i just gave them your videos.problem fixed haha!
no to my question. on this temp surfing hack, you pull to shots, one with the stock portafilter and one with the bottomless!
but you start counting your seconds on the first one from the light goes on again and on the socond you count from the light goes off...... is it a trap?
i gues the first is the right one and the second is just a OPS!! or is it the other way around?
btw this is not to pick on anything, im just a geek like everybody here and wanna know what im surpose to do !
thanks again for the best intructions on all this great corfee stuff.
best regards
sebastina. copenhagen, Denmark
Hey I haven't watched this video in a while. Whatever I said to do was the right way. If I did something different than what I said, that was wrong haha
How does pre-infusion affect dialling in your shots?
Would you still aim to pull 36g for a double shot in 27-30 sec, or something a big longer?