The standard Apple lead that ships with the IPad is short, as per the iPhone. I originally bought the Apple long lead for iPad but that is quite a bulky item comprising mains plug, conventional power cable and adaptor before you get to a longer 'thin' cable. Surprisingly bulky for an Apple product.
Now having 2 iPads to charge, particular when using for heavy power use, we decided to try this inexpensive cable and are absolutely delighted to say it was a revelation and is now the iPad charging cable extension of choice. Thin but seemingly robust ( has survived several business / leisure trips and an enthusiastic 8 year old!) , the USB cable simply fits on the end of your Apple mains plug that came with your iPad. Can see no reduction in build quality compare to the standard short Apple cable and compared to the long Apple cable, this is less bulky and much easier to use. Especially good when moving around at a presentation and you don't want a bulky cable and also much better when packing to travel light. Oh and it costs a fraction of the Apple cable.
Can't fault it.
Update - Needed an extra long 2m+ charging cable to allow the iPad to run streaming video at some distance from the power socket so added this to the Apple extended cable which has a long mains cable leading to a USB socket
Apple iPad 10W USB Power Adapter - Power adapter - 10 Watt to give over 3m of extension cable!
So delighted withe the performance of this cable however that am buying another for another iPad.