A winding core end protector, comprising: an annular, rigid base section mated directly to an end of a winding core; and an annular, shock absorbing section fixedly attached to said rigid base section; wherein the winding core end protector has an external diameter generally equal to a winding core external diameter, and an internal diameter generally equal to a winding core internal diameter; wherein the rigid base section is made from a material from the group consisting of metals or high durometer rigid polymers; and the end protector shock absorbing section is made from the group consisting of softer durometer polymers or elastomeric materials, said materials characterized by surface toughness, overall flexibility upon impact, and high resistance to material creep and compression set under load; wherein the rigid base section has a plurality of holes formed therein, each said hole adapted to receive a fastener to hold the rigid base section directly to the winding core end; wherein the shock absorbing section has a plurality of cavities to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end; and characterised in that the shock absorbing section is comprised of a plurality of nubs with a space between each adjacent nub, and a plurality of holes formed between the nubs to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end. an annular, rigid base section mated directly to an end of a winding core; and an annular, shock absorbing section fixedly attached to said rigid base section; wherein the winding core end protector has an external diameter generally equal to a winding core external diameter, and an internal diameter generally equal to a winding core internal diameter; wherein the rigid base section is made from a material from the group consisting of metals or high durometer rigid polymers; and wherein the winding core end protector has an external diameter generally equal to a winding core external diameter, and an internal diameter generally equal to a winding core internal diameter; wherein the rigid base section is made from a material from the group consisting of metals or high durometer rigid polymers; and the end protector shock absorbing section is made from the group consisting of softer durometer polymers or elastomeric materials, said materials characterized by surface toughness, overall flexibility upon impact, and high resistance to material creep and compression set under load; wherein the rigid base section has a plurality of holes formed therein, each said hole adapted to receive a fastener to hold the rigid base section directly to the winding core end; wherein the shock absorbing section has a plurality of cavities to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end; and characterised in that the shock absorbing section is comprised of a plurality of nubs with a space between each adjacent nub, and a plurality of holes formed between the nubs to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end. wherein the rigid base section has a plurality of holes formed therein, each said hole adapted to receive a fastener to hold the rigid base section directly to the winding core end; wherein the shock absorbing section has a plurality of cavities to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end; and characterised in that the shock absorbing section is comprised of a plurality of nubs with a space between each adjacent nub, and a plurality of holes formed between the nubs to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end.