Select Series: One Year Later
One year after purchase, it's time for a review. I ordered 13 of these "Select Series USB A to Micro B Charge & Sync Cables" back in October 2017.
The short version:
*Monoprice customer service is top notch, and definitely stands behind their products/lifetime warranty. Lifetime truly means lifetime, not just the lifetime of the original cable. The RMA process is absolutely wonderful.
*These cables however aren't very good, and I'd recommend a braided version (or something with more strength at the micro-b end of the cable). I've had to replace four already, one was defective out of the bag, and I will undeniably have to replace more in the future. Lifetime warranty in this case means spending a lifetime replacing them. Definitely don't order just one, because you'll need a backup or two while replacement(s) are being sent. I do NOT regret my purchase at all, but I wouldn't order them again.
*If you are concerned with the AWG rating, the Select Series at 22/30 is the best (lowest) Monoprice has for micro-b power delivery, including the unlabeled Luxe. All other Monoprice cables have a higher rating (power/data: 23/32, 28/28, etc.).
*5 stars for Monoprice customer service and pricing, 5 stars for standing behind the warranty, 3 stars for the overall quality of the cable, 1 star for quality of the micro-b boot/fitment, 1 star for frequently having to submit an RMA. 15/25=3/5
The long version:
I purchased many colors and lengths of these cables and have given several to family members. Everyone has had a failure. My family isn't exactly careful, but I am EXTREMELY cautious with all of MY cables. Even I have had a failure. What's strange is that all four failures have absolutely ZERO evidence of bending or abuse, and all four have issues at the micro-b end of the cable. I feel the issue lies with the protective 'boot' at the micro-b end. My terminology is terrible, but I'll label the parts of the micro-b end as: metal connector -> plastic block -> boot -> cable. The boot is actually larger in diameter than the cable (a bit excessively, specifically look at the pink cable in the image). This allows the cable to wiggle around inside of the boot. I feel this is what is causing the cable to malfunction. The attached image shows all four failed cables with no damage at the micro-b end, however this is exactly where all have failed.
What about the metal connectors themselves? In my case, the metal connectors have never had any issues. No wiggling away from the plastic housing, no wiggling when attached to devices, and no falling out of devices easily. Always pretty tight. This applies to both ends.
What's also odd is that the thickness of the cable itself varies with different colors. My 10ft. and 6ft. white cables are noticeably thicker than my 6ft. purple or 3ft. pink cables (see the attached image for yourself). The white cables do not wiggle around in the boot as much because of this. All of the colored cables in my case are thinner (especially the 3ft. pink), black and white cables are thicker. So it may help to buy only black or white, but mine still are 50/50 for failure regardless. Half were colors (pink and purple), half white. I haven't used my black 6ft. cable long enough to confirm either way.
These will probably serve you well if you never move your cables, or always charge devices in a fixed location. But if you're the type that uses the device while charging, or plans to use these in a car or other bend-prone areas, I'd avoid these unless you're willing to sacrifice time (frequent RMA processes, although painless) in order to save money. If price is the only concern, these are a winner because there are no other issues other than random failures at the micro-b end, and you'll never have to buy another one. Hope this helps someone!
