Alternatives to Canon OC-E3 Off-Camera Flash Cord?

Does anyone know of any quality alternatives to Canon's OC-E3 off camera flash cord? I am now on my third one after the first two both failed in the same way - the ridiculously tiny fine-thread screws that hold the two pieces of "housing" together on the shoe (i.e. flash) end of the cord have pulled right out of the plastic. Shame on Canon - as far as I am concerned these cords are simply not up to the task of supposting a large flash in anything but a static studio situation. I can't be the only one having this problem(?)

Is anyone making a good aftermarket version cord? Even a replacement housing for the shoe itself would be great (billet aluminum would be fantastic...)

Regards,
Jeff

Arthur Morris has an article in http://www.birdsasart.com/accs.html#Flash Extension Cord/Off Camera TTL and http://www.birdsasart.com/bn200.htm

He recommends a cord sold by Promaster http://www.promaster.com/products/products.asp

I am not sure if they sell a replacement for the OC-E3 but it may be worth checking out.

I must be lucky as the Canon ones have never given me any problems so far.

Dave Hassell.

Jeff,

I have had the same problem and the link Dave gave is the best alternative I have found too.

I agree with the Promaster choice. I've had one for a few years now & absolutely no problems.

Another vote for the Promaster.

dave b.

Hi everyone,

I just started to use an off-camera cord (Promaster) after purchasing a flash bracket for my sidemount Gimbal head. So far, the cord seems very rugged and sturdy. When I started to use it, I noticed that when the flash (Canon 580EX II with fully charged 4 AA NiMH batteries) is attached to the cord, the flash is unable to fire in burst on my 7D. However, with the flash mounted on the 7D, there's no problem in firing a few burst. Anyone experience this issue? Will this be resolved with an external battery pack or a specific setting in the camera?

Thanks,
Raymond