The present invention relates to a stabilizing center core for stabilizing a coil of duct or cable. The stabilizing center core comprises a center tube having a first and a second end. A first plate element is arranged at the first end of the center tube, and a second plate element is arranged at the second end of the center tube. The center core further comprises at least three third plate elements extending between the first plate element and the second plate element and arranged at angular distances around a circumference of the center tube, whereby a duct or cable that is wound around the stabilizing center core is supported by the third plate elements.

A reel has first and second flanges formed of a wood-based material and having annular channels, and a plurality of staves. Each stave extends between the annular channels of the opposing first and second flanges. At least a first stave is secured in at least one of the first annular channel or the second annular channel. The plurality of staves collectively form at least one core surface around which flexible material may be wound between the first flange and the second flange. The reel also includes a plurality of fasteners formed primarily of a wood-based or plastic material, each extending through a portion of the first flange and a corresponding one of the plurality of staves.