My experience has been the exact opposite of yours.

I've also had great experience with the Amazon Basic cables:

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Micro-USB-USB-Cable-Meters/dp/B00NH124VM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447883608&sr=8-1&keywords=micro+usb+cable

You could also try these iXCC brand cables:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VU7PTKI?psc=1

5 star Amazon rated with over 1500 reviews.

Also iXCC, looks like a bit more heavy duty, Almost 5000 Amazon ratings:

http://www.amazon.com/iXCC-Extended-Charging-Smartphones-batteries/dp/B00DYWC26G/ref=pd_sim_147_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41WmnU2alaL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0VGYKRYH5NAEGY2CFFNB