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