Why is coaxial cable the most common feed line for amateur radio antenna systems?

Coaxial cable is overwhelmingly popular in amateur radio because it is incredibly convenient and forgiving to install. Its outer shield keeps the radio frequency energy contained inside the cable, meaning you can safely run it alongside metal pipes, tape it directly to a metal antenna mast, or even bury it in the ground without significantly disrupting the signal. Many learners mistakenly choose the distractor stating it has the lowest loss. In reality, open-wire feed line (often called ladder line) generally has much lower signal loss than coaxial cable. However, open-wire line requires strict installation rules to keep it away from metal objects and the ground. Coaxial cable is chosen for its ease of use, not its loss characteristics.