Quantum DLT 2000 Handbook page 30

Figure 2-12 Helical Scan Tape System
the cartridge and around a spinning read/write head. Acute wrap
angles and recording-side contact reduce tape life.
By contrast, the DLTtape head guide assembly is entirely different. It
remains stationary. It consists of a series of six precision rollers.
Instead of grabbing the tape in the middle and pulling it into place,
as with helical scan systems, the DLTtape guide system links a leader
strip on the end of the tape and pulls it out of the cartridge, guides it
around the head guide assembly in a smooth arc, and gently wraps it
around the take-up reel in the drive. The rollers guide, but do not
pull the tape. The wrap angles around the guide rollers are gentle.
Contact between tape and guide is minimized. The recorded side of
the tape never touches the guides, minimizing tape wear. The head
guide assembly in the Super DLTtape drives is a refined design that
incorporates only four rollers, reducing even further the amount of
contact with the tape.
must pull tape out of
QUANTUM DLTtape HANDBOOK 2.9