Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer generally cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal and external pressure and provide low bending stiffness, and two inner areas of axial reinforcement located near the neutral axis of the composite tubular members containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile strength and low bending stiffness; and fibers oriented to resist shear stress, positioned opposite each other within the walls of the outer member. These inner areas define a minor moment of inertia of bending extending diametrically through said inner areas and a major moment of inertia of bending generally orthogonal to said minor moment of inertia. Energy conductors integral to the tubular member are arranged in a plane along the minor moment of inertia formed in the tubular member.