Brite-Spark,
Quote
What should I be looking for to check if its a bad quality cable?
The better quality co-axial cables have the foil sheilding bonded to the dielectric insulation over the centre conductor.
Also, the shielding braid should be tinned copper and should be as thick as possible.
I'd also go with a coax that has either a foam or an air-spaced dielectric covering on the centre conductor.
I'd avoid any cables that have a stranded centre conductor, I've had nothing but problems with this sort of cable, especially when using it with F-type connectors.
I have to agree with Aussie though, there are some really dodgy cables out there, worst place you can buy it from here in NZ is a DIY store. [Linked Image]