Energy absorbing devices and methods of making and using the same

An energy absorbing device, comprising:

• a composite or metallic component having greater than or equal to three walls forming a component channel with a longitudinal length;
• and
• a polymeric component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of polymeric walls, the plurality of polymeric walls defining honeycomb tubes;
• wherein the polymeric component is supported within the component channel with the honeycomb tubes stacked transversely along the longitudinal length of the component channel, ends of the honeycomb tubes opposing the composite or metal component;
• wherein the composite or metal component, or the polymeric component, has a bending stiffness greater than a bending stiffness of the honeycomb structure and optionally configured to provide back support for crushing of the honeycomb structure.