This orange-coated copper wire costs half as much as the red-black coated wire. I don't think anyone gave a thought to how cheap red and black duct tape is! I bought 100 feet of this wire to outfit a fishing boat and a hunting truck. Wire is supplied coiled and packaged in retail packaging. I don't see the color fading anytime soon, not that I care what color the wire is. I wrapped the visible end with colored tape. Generally, it is marine grade stranded copper wire. what's not to like?