True, but on tapes 1600 bpi and higher there is a burst recorded over the BOT marker on one of the tracks to identify the density. You obviously can't move the mark very far into the tape without running into the first data block either, even if you force the read density, which you can't really do on auto loading Ciphers. I have spliced new leader onto damaged tape before, using analog tape splicing techniques (diagonal cut with two overlapping pieces, then tape on the back). From memory, Cipher drives don't have flux gates (little door over the top of the head). Thin clear packing tape works OK, but don't plan on reusing the tape after you get the data off.