Guide device for a recording medium in tape form, especially a magnetic tape

A guide device for a recording medium in tape form, especially a magnetic tape, which is subjected to sharp acceleration in the lengthwise direction, comprising at least one guide roll rotatably mounted in bearing means, around which guide roll the transported recording medium is guided;

• and a means for applying a braking torque between the roll and the bearing means, said means for applying a braking torque providing a braking torque of a magnitude sufficient to keep said guide roll from rotating while the tape is transported, during normal operation, at a relatively high speed, wherein said guide roll and said means for providing a braking torque permit a boundary layer of air to be created between the transported tape and the guide roll, which eliminates all direct contact therebetween, but is of a magnitude insufficient to prohibit the tape from taking the guide roll along substantially without slippage at times when the tape is travelling at a relatively low speed.