Interesting. I routinely encounter cold and hot conditions with the same Japanese PTFE-lined 1.2m release for my two Pentax 67s. No idea who made it, but after being burnt badly with supposedly top quality KAISER German releases, this $17.99 eBay find, ultra-flexible long-throw release has outlived anything the Germans have offered, at a fraction of the price!
Not convinced from long experience that a cloth-covered release is any better or robust than a vinyl sheathed or stainless steel one, in any conditions. Personal preference plays a part, but there is something bigger maybe to consider...
... If you are breaking cable releases, the problem might be excessive throw for the shutter. Shutter nib depth could be measured with a match stick, then snapped off at the shutter button fascia top, and then compared to the extended plunger of the cable release. A plunger throw range of 12mm to 15mm is short to medium, while 15mm to 20mm is long to very long (excessive for many cameras and lenses) . Not all cameras or LF lenses have universally the same shutter nib depth. Using the wrong release can either bottom out the release plunger button without tripping the shutter, or with a long-throw plunger, fire the shutter while causing back-tension in the release, leading to snapping.
Gepe stainless steel braided cables are very robust, but not particularly flexible (nor cheap!). The beefy, business-like Linhof Profi releases have an adjustable plunger throw, but that novel luxury could set you back around $160 (they are $320 here in Australia). I carry a spare Pentax-branded cable release in my pack, lest I should somehow misplace the eye-catching clear-sheathed braided release. You can never have too many cable releases!
