Review of Garmin Striker Vivid
When Garmin originally presented the STRIKER series a year ago, there was considerable skepticism over its capabilities. These simplified versions of the Garmin Echomap series have been accessible and will remain so. Would anglers be interested in a fish detector that does not have maps or data storage capabilities but does have advanced CHIRP sonar capabilities?
It ended up being that the STRIKER series was one that fishermen enjoyed watching and that it was also a good deal for them. This year, Garmin made considerable updates to their transducers and provided each model with aesthetically pleasing new color schemes. As a result, we decided to investigate if the newly released STRIKER Vivid series offers a deal that is competitive with the original.
Striker Vivid Series Overview
Table could not be displayed.Newly added to Garmin Striker Vivid
Upgraded Transducer: Both the Striker 9sv and the Striker 7sv come with an integrated version of the GT52HW-TM, which boasts superior picture quality under its downward- and sideways-looking imaging components. The CV versions continue to come with the GT20-TM transducer, which can do both standard CHIRP imaging and ClearVu imaging.
Elimination of “Calculated”: The GT52HW-TM features a specialized piezo that faces downward to provide an authentic ClearVu picture. A “calculated” ClearVu image could only be produced by the antiquated CV52HW-TM since it could only read information from the two side beams. This suggests that the downward-facing image on the Striker Vivid is of higher quality.
New “Vivid” Color Palettes: The Striker fishfinder series has never been complicated, and it has never really taken use of the 800 x 480 WVGA display that it possesses. As a result of Striker Vivid’s implementation of a few new color palettes, the SideVu and ClearVu visuals provide a very striking appearance onscreen.
- Lava
- Blue Ice
- Caribbean
- Corroded Steel
- Aqua
Review of Striker Vivid 9SV and 7SV
Overview: The finest alternatives in this product series are the Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv and Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv. Both feature WVGA displays that have a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels and are very simple to view due to their brightness. CHIRP sonar, SideVü, and ClearVü are just a few of the features that contribute to these locators’ ability to provide a high level of functionality at an affordable price.
Because of the fast detach bail mount, it is now possible to remove the head unit from its mounting brackets in a matter of seconds, and the wires that were previously in place on those brackets have been secured. The wonderful quality of this product is that it does not require the user to fuss with screws and locks whether traveling or storing their belongings.
The Echomap 73sv and 93sv, which are the older brothers of these two newer devices, both feature the same sonar capabilities. They make use of an enhanced version of the GT52HW-TM transducer together with the necessary hardware and a trolling motor to connect it to the transom.
- Transducer: GT52HW-TM as the transducer
- 2D Sonar (150-240 kHz) High-Wide CHIRP
- CHIRP 455 kHz (425-485 kHz) and 800 kHz for
- ClearVü (790-850 kHz)
- SideVü: CHIRP 800 kHz and 455 kHz (425-485 kHz) (790-850 kHz)
Note: If you want to acquire high-speed 2D depth readings, you will need to purchase a GT8HW-IH in-hull transducer as well as a Y-cable.
- GPS & Maps: The Striker Vivid still doesn’t have any onboard maps, which is a glaring omission. The smartphone has no pre-loaded content and no MicroSD slot for map chips.
- MicroSD: None
- Quickdraw Contours: For mapping (DIY live mapping)
You are only given the ability to make your contour maps while using Quickdraw Contours. In addition, if you have an imperative need for the maps, you have the option to upgrade to the Echomap UHD series. In the end, a Striker fish finder is a prized possession for many anglers.
Review of Striker Vivid 7cv and 5cv
Overview: When moving to the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv and Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, you will lose SideVü and receive a less powerful transducer. The price tag is a major factor to consider while deciding between these two options. Retail suggested retail prices for either the 7cv or 5cv are lower than $500. Crazy. A screen of that size and at that price would have been unthinkable only five years ago.
ClearVü: imaging brings the structure to life, whereas traditional 2D sonar does a fantastic job of locating the fish arches that are commonly encountered. You can now see the true appearance of the things, as opposed to them appearing as jumbled blobs. When you spend a significant amount of time sedentary, it will be much simpler for you to spot fish and bait.
Sonar: The GT20-TM transducer, a conventional 2D plus CHIRP ClearVü transducer, is included in both the 7cv and the 5cv packages. Sonar is included with this transducer. Unfortunately, a CHIRP-capable device like the Striker Vivid does not come packaged with a transducer that completely fulfills the standards of CHIRP.
You will need to upgrade to either the GT22HW-TM or the GT23M-TM transducer to activate the 2D CHIRP. The abbreviations HW and M stand, respectively, for high and wide. The CHIRP ClearVü frequency range of the GT23M-TM has been narrowed down to 260/455 kHz to improve its imaging capabilities in deep water.
- Transducer: GT20-TM
- 2D Sonar: 77/200 kHz Dual Beam (CHIRP capable with transducer upgrade)
- CHIRP: 455 kHz (435-475 kHz)
- ClearVü: 800 kHz (800-840 kHz)
If you want to utilize your fish finder in the bow of the boat, you may choose any of these transducers because they all come with a trolling motor adapter bracket.
GPS and Maps: The 5cv and 7cv both have identical mapping capabilities. There are no maps on board, and there isn’t a MicroSD slot, so making lake maps is just you, your motor, and Quickdraw.
Review of Striker Vivid 4cv
We now offer the 4-inch model, which is more compact and oriented vertically than its predecessor. Because the 4 sonar unit is no longer being produced, the only option that remains is the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. This tool is a great option for portability, and it performs admirably when used for fishing from a kayak. The models that were released this year have not changed significantly, and they continue to be very good options for fish finders that are not too expensive.
- Display: 4.0-inch Screen
- Size: The item is 8″ x 11.5″ x 6″
- Transducer: GT20-TM
- Frequencies: 77/200 kHz,
- ClearVü: 455/800 kHz for CHIRP
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: No
The traditional 77/200 kHz sonar and CHIRP ClearVü are both included in the 4cv, in addition to the 2D sonar that is standard in the 4. It would make sense to go with the 4cv model given that it offers a savings of around $40 compared to the MSRP of the other model. If you are unable to spend more than $200 due to financial constraints, this may be an excellent opportunity for you to save money.
More Capabilities of Striker Vivid
The Striker Plus series’ most significant new features are listed below:
New 9′′ SideVü Model: Given the popularity of the previous releases and anglers’ constant need for larger screens, it is not surprising that Garmin has added a 9′′ model. For imaging sonar, bigger is unquestionably better.
Wi-Fi connectivity: Everyone is familiar with using Wi-Fi on smartphones, and fish finders are increasingly being equipped with wireless connectivity. It makes getting software updates and syncing with apps quite straightforward. Simply log in using the ActiveCaptain account to receive updates sent directly to your control head.
Quickdraw Contours: Garmin’s live sonar mapping program, is constantly developing and expanding. The 1-foot contour data for up to 2 million acres may now be stored in the Striker devices. 2 million acres is a large area, more than anyone could ever map in a single year.
ActiveCaptain App: Garmin is making a big deal out of this new app as a method to maximize your use of technology. To use the app, first, create an account, then download it to a smartphone, then couple it with the control head. After that, the ActiveCaptain community lets you exchange and download user contour data.
What is contained in the box?
Be aware that The Striker is a basic fishfinder series and that there aren’t many extras to be found. The fish finder, transducer, cables, and some hardware are all that are included.
- Data and power cable
- Swivel and tilt gimbal mount
- Transducer cable: dual 4-pin to 12-spin (7sv and 9sv)
- Garmin decal
- Mounting equipment
- User guides and written materials
Is a Garmin Striker Vivid a good investment?
If you are searching for a CHRIP Imaging Sonar fish finder at a price that is within your budget, the Striker Vivid is an excellent choice to consider. They would make a fantastic additional fish finder for fishermen who currently possess a device that includes maps.
It’s wonderful that fish finders may now connect to Wi-Fi for a reasonable price. Wi-Fi is a technique of connecting to wireless networks in the house that is both extensively used and well accepted. As a result, downloading and installing updates is now simpler than it ever was before.
The 9sv is among the most reasonably priced 9-inch fish finders that are currently on the market. If I already possessed a gadget that was capable of mapping, I would not hesitate to use that as my imaging unit if given the opportunity. Simply said, it’s an easy and inexpensive way to improve your sonar.
Quickdraw Contours is an outstanding tool that may be utilized by anglers of varying degrees of expertise and experience. The use of live mapping is becoming increasingly widespread. With only a few clicks with the ActiveCaptain app installed on a user’s smartphone, Quickdraw map data can now be shared, published, and downloaded to a Striker Vivid with ease.
- Affordable CHIRP sonar and imaging
- Wi-Fi Accessibility
- QuickDraw Live maps
The primary limitation of the Striker Vivid is that it does not come with any pre-loaded maps. If you don’t have them, you’ll surely be able to save some money, but it’s hard to imagine going fishing without them. Utilizing Quickdraw, you can design your maps, and using ActiveCaptain, you can also download the maps that other people have designed.
There are no memory card slots available, therefore recording waypoints and other data will not be possible. Although the Striker Vivid features imaging sonar, it is disappointing that there does not seem to be a mechanism to capture screenshots for further review and sharing.
- Contour maps cannot be displayed (GPS & QuickDraw Only)
- No slots for SD memory
Bottom Line
The Striker Vivid is recommended for use as a secondary fish detector that may be added on. It is unlikely that you will be able to rely on this as your primary depth detector unless you fish in waters that are rather shallow and for which you can create your maps.
For the maps, you could get an Echomap UHD 93sv without a transducer, and for the primary SideVü and sonar display, you could get a Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv. This would help you save some money. You could have a massive 18 inches of screen space with a side-by-side layout for the same price as competitor manufacturers’ 10-inch tablets if you put them up in that configuration.
