I'm also a newcomer. After my WanHao supplied PLA ran out I bought a reel of black PLA from
http://rigid.ink/ and I've had no problems other than the coils on the spool seem to like to tangle themselves. I put this down to "user error" when loading the reel. I've had no actual jams or failures though.
I've also tried samples of other colours of PLA from RigidInk and also FilaPrint Premium from
http://shop.3dfilaprint.com/. Both brands have all worked out fine.
Note that most places will sell 5m or 10m samples. RigidInk also gives some away free. Here's a £5 off link for RigidInk
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/uHNi5S9rwJgd