A carrier tape system, in some embodiments, comprises: a tape; a series of index holes along a length of said tape; a series of pockets along said length; a first series of standoff units along said length; and a second series of standoff units along said length, wherein the series of pockets is positioned between the first series of standoff units and the second series of standoff units, wherein the standoff units create a clearance space between the bottom surfaces of said pockets and the tape when said tape is wound on a reel.