a mandrel for use in a crosshead extrusion process for manufacturing hose . the mandrel includes a core composed of a high tensile strength material ; a tie layer disposed around and adhering to the core and an elongated cylindrical body disposed around the tie layer . the body is composed of a first thermoplastic material . an outer layer is disposed over the body . the outer layer has a predetermined thickness which is less than that of the body the outer layer is composed of a second thermoplastic material which is dissimilar to that of the first thermoplastic material . methods of making and using the mandrel are also disclosed .