I'm not sure I can accurately rate the performance of this product as I really can't differentiate between these and other brands I've used. What I can attest to, however, is how well made this cable feels like it was made to last a lifetime and I just love the braided jacket over the standard insulation. It's really flexible and I love the variety of sizes available to adjust the length to my specific application. I can only assume that candles with gold tips conduct better than those without, although I have not been able to prove this. Just be aware that these are really beautifully made cables, if a cable can be beautiful at all ;-)