I'd stick to the PVC tubes. Once the cardboard gets wet it's ruined. The PVC doesn't give off the "Steel me" I'm valuable neon glow of fancy wood or aluminum tubes. If you want to fancy then up a bit check out [url=http://www.landmarkflyrodtubes.com/:8ff4d]http://www.landmarkflyrodtubes.com/[/url:8ff4d]
He sells the nice ends that fit into the tube and screw into the tube caps so tube is flush unlike with the fit over ends you by at Home Depot. He also sells the whole tube for a very decent price.

Pete