Perpendicular write head having a stepped flare structure and method of manufacture thereof

A magnetic write head for magnetic data recording, comprising:

• a magnetic write pole that includes:
• a magnetic write pole core portion having an end terminating at an air bearing surface (ABS) and having a trailing edge and first and second laterally opposed sides;
• and
• a magnetic shell portion formed over and contacting the trailing edge and first and second sides of the magnetic write pole core portion so as to cover a portion of said magnetic write pole core portion, the magnetic shell portion having an end surface that is recessed from the ABS by a first distance;
• a non-magnetic spacer layer formed over at least a portion of the magnetic shell portion, the non-magnetic spacer layer being recessed from the ABS by a second distance that is greater than the first distance;
• and
• a magnetic shield partially surrounding the magnetic write pole core portion, a portion of the magnetic shield being separated from the trailing edge of the magnetic write pole core portion by a non-magnetic gap and a portion of the magnetic shield being separated from the magnetic write pole core portion and magnetic shell portion by the non-magnetic spacer layer.