This is a new and defect-free instrument 25 feet cable from Hosa.  The 1/4" metal plugs appear satisfactory with a white pvc outer strain relief which completely covers the the 24 ga. wire and solder connections inside the metal plugs.  Cannot verify the wire guage or the solder connections due to the shrinkable pvc strain relief.  The outer cover appears and feels to be made from rubber.  Using several of the Hosa cables with no adverse static or noise.  A quality cable from Hosa in this "price range" and therefore deserves the 5 star rating.