Read/write head with improved contact

A tape drive system comprising:

• a read/write head having a length and a support surface to support data storage tape as the data storage tape is conveyed longitudinally across the support surface, wherein the support surface of the read/write head is curved about an axis in a widthwise direction of the read/write head, and wherein the support surface of the read/write head has a reduced longitudinal length relative to the body length only in an intermediate region of the read/write head;
• at least one read/write device provided on the intermediate region of the support surface of the read/write head to read and/or write data on the data storage tape as the data storage tape is conveyed across the support surface;
• and
• a motor to drive the data storage tape.

A method for manufacturing a read/write head, comprising:

• forming an elongate body with a curved support surface to support data storage media;
• providing at least one read/write device on an intermediate region of the support surface of the read/write head;
• and
• removing material from the intermediate region of the elongate body to reduce a longitudinal length of the support surface in the intermediate region.