Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is Nathan K, a Google Top Contributor program volunteer (Nexus/Pixel Support Forums), and follower of Benson Leung doing independent USB-C verification and testing. I analyzed Plugable's "Thunderbolt 3 20Gbps USB-C Cable (6.6'/2m, 3A/60W)" [Model TBT3-20G2M]. This PASSIVE eMarked cable appears to comply with the USB Type-C specification version 1.2. It also has rather favorable performance characteristics, given constraints of the 2m length. Active cable designs are currently highly flawed in my opinion at this time (Dec 2016), so this is a good "long distance" USB3.1Gen1 (5gbps) data + Thunderbolt 3-20gbps data + charge (3A/60W) cable in the meanwhile. THE GOOD: The cable is properly advertised as having USB3.1Gen1 support. It is built out of Lintes ODM cable stock with good performance characteristics. It meets all SI, DCR, Continuity, and eMarker tests on a TotalPhase Advanced Cable Tester Level 2. It can be operated at 120% capacity (6Ghz) and still pass SI thresholds. The DC resistance is technically low enough to be considered a 5A/100W cable, barely. (It is eMarked as 3A for safety, correctly.) It even omits pin B6/B7 in the plug as suggested in the spec. (Bottom two front "teeth".) THE MEDIOCRE: Certain pins on the connectors have per-pin resistance that are on the high side (~12-15mOhm). This is a problem shared with other Lintes ODM cables from Belkin, so I presume it is "normal". In comparison, the j5Create JUCX01 and Anker A8181011 have negligible per-pin resistance (<5mOhm). This is well within spec (40mOhm), but indicates the paddlecards could be optimized. THE IFFY: The data rate differences between the Plugable 1m (USB3.1Gen2 10gbps) and 2m (USB3.1Gen1 5gbps) cable version is displayed in the tech specs, but could be clarified in the bullet points. The term "Certified" is used in the product title, without stating BY WHOM. In this case, I know it is "Intel Thunderbolt Certified" from background knowledge, but it is still a bit misleading. Especially when some other manufacturers are both USB-IF *and* Intel Certified. Also it is a bit expensive compared to competitors. (However as I have disclaimed in the past, I have done in-depth troubleshooting with Plugable's engineers, so at least I know where the money goes.... hopefully.) These however are MINOR gripes. I am just glad this product is "exactly as described on the tin", and of good quality to boot. So it gets an excellent rating. IN CONCLUSION: This is a very well built cable doing exactly what it claims to, with very respectable Safety Factor margins. Therefore I highly recommend it for any uses that require a 2m Thunderbolt 3-20gbps cable, USB3.1Gen1 5gbps cable, or a 60W charging cable. Data was sampled with a TotalPhase Advanced Cable Tester Level 2 and Plugable/Google Twinkie in combination with my own custom-made microcontrollers and equipment. Additional data may be verified by using Plus. Plugable USB 3.1 Type-C (USB-C) Power Delivery Sniffer