Over the last few decades, the G5RV antenna has become one of the most popular and widely used "all around" multi-band antennas in the world.  Even though it is a "compromise" antenna, it has good overall performance on most hf ham bands when used with an external tuner, and allows coax as an entry feedline to the radio equipment eliminating the need and hassle of ladder line or twinlead. It should be noted that some internal tuners just don't have enough range to "tune" it.

It was invented in 1946 by Louis Varney, whose call sign is G5RV ("SK" on June 28, 2000, age 89).  Hence the name, the G5RV antenna.

The basic G5RV antenna measures only 102 feet across the top for 80 thru 10 meter operation, and is fed at the center through a low loss 34 feet feed-stub.