: I've just started making paddles for actual paying customers and
: one of the features I'm incorporating into all my paddles is a
: plastic tip protector. I put one on my current paddle over two
: years ago and it is has kept the paddle tip like new. The
: "protector" is simply a piece of 3.5" ABS sewer
: pipe that is recessed and epoxied onto the tip of the paddle
: during the shaping stage. It can be easily shaped with a rasp
: and sandpaper for the final finishing.

: http://justyakkin2.blogspot.ca/2012/06/c-monsters-new-paddle.html

: Just thought I'd pass on this tip (pun intended)

: Cheers,

: Sean

Luthier supplies have ABS plastic binding available up to about 1/2" wide. It's designed to be glued and should work on paddles and is inexpensive. Here's an example:

http://www.stewmac.com/Shopping?actn=search&keyword=BINDING

I think I'll give this stuff a shot on my Aleutian paddles, as its bendability should be much better than plastic from the hardware store and might make it around a fairly pointy tip. Many cutaway-equipped guitars have very tight radii to go around.

--Scott