Abstract: A tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) combination is provided herein. The tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) include an improved buckle (30) that securely couples a drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10) to a cartridge leader (28) of the cartridge (22) and inhibits half-ear situations. As provided herein, the buckle (30) includes a first buckle component (54) and a second buckle component (56) that securely couple the leaders (28) (32). More specifically, the first buckle component (54) includes a receiver (60) and the second buckle component (56) includes a tab (58) that engages the receiver (60) to securely couple the leaders (28) (32). The tab (58) has a nose (62) and a neck (64). The nose (62) includes a pair of opposed proximal edges (69) that cantilever away from the neck (64) and engage the receiver (60) to couple buckle components (54) (56). Importantly, the opposed proximal edges (69) of the nose (62) are curved.