: Hollow paddle shafts are a STUPID idea. One reduces the weight by MAINTAINING
: THE DIAMETER and making the shaft hollow. This ALWAYS reduces the paddle
: strength. Since even a solid paddle is subject to casual damage (as my
: example demonstrates), this reduction in strength requires examination but
: it gets none.

You should refrain from using so many absolutes, George. One must not always necessarily maintain the existing diameter. Even a small (and barely noticeable increase) in diameter is enough to offset the section modulus lost by hollowing the shaft.

I had a mechanical engineer friend perform the calculation of the ratio of original strength to hollow-shaft strength, and nearly one-half the diameter of the shaft can be removed from the center, with only a 10% loss in strength. By increasing shaft diameter by 5%, this strength can be regained. But, I'm sure he's not interested in providing the free labor of explaining that to you.

Does it get no evaluation? No. We just don't tell you that because you're not generally party to free and friendly information exchange.

: Someone suggested the idea or its pursuit was silly.
: It appears tha idea is both silly and STUPID.

Whatever.