T-shaped write pole

A magnetic element comprising a write pole comprising leading and trailing regions on an air bearing surface (ABS), the leading region having a trailing width connected to a leading width of the trailing region via a transition feature comprising a projection to form a substantially T-shaped cross-section on the ABS, the leading region defined by first and second sidewalls, the trailing region defined by third and fourth sidewalls, the transition feature separating the first and third sidewalls with a transition surface having a predetermined length from a longitudinal axis of the write pole.

A data writer comprising a write pole having leading and trailing edges connected by first and second pole sidewalls on opposite first and second sides of the write pole, the write pole disposed within and separated from a side shield by a write gap that decreases from a first separation distance at the trailing edge to a second separation distance at the leading edge, each side shield configured to maintain at least the second separation distance from the first pole sidewall to the second pole sidewall around the leading edge.