An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having servo writers each configured to write a servo pattern having a first magnetic bar and a third magnetic bar oriented to form a chevron-like pattern with the first magnetic bar, the first magnetic bars each having a longitudinal axis oriented at a first angle between 2 and 88 degrees from an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, the third magnetic bars each having a longitudinal axis oriented at a second angle between 2 and 88 degrees from the intended direction of tape travel thereacross, the second angle having a different numerical absolute value than the first angle. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism for passing the magnetic recording tape over the magnetic head, and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head.