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 . <EOS>