Abstract: A take-up mechanism for a winding unit wherein yarns, tapes or other strands are wound on tubes or similar supports. The invention particularly relates to a compensator wheel mounted for pivoting so that it maintains alignment with the strand passing therearound in all operative positions of the compensator wheel. In another embodiment, the compensator wheel configuration includes a concave curvature which may be used in a conventional take-up mechanism in conjunction with certain strands such as carbon fibers which may suffer edge damage during winding.