Garmin Striker Vivid series consists of decent-looking fishfinders which includes 4cv, 5cv, 7cv, 7sv and 9sv. The cv and sv represent Clearvu and Sidevu CHIRP sonars respectively. Clearvu allows you to see very clear images of what is passing under your boat, while Sidevu allows you to see clear images of what is to both sides of your boat. All the models have built-in GPS that allows you to track routes, and you can also create waypoints as well as user-generated maps using quickdraw contours software. The main difference separating the different models comes in the display sizes and type of transducer that come with each model. Only 7sv and 9sv come with a transducer that supports Clearvu and Sidevu . Meanwhile, only 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv have WiFi and support for the ActiveCaptain app that allows you to transfer user-generated data like maps created by other users and the ability to get smartphone notifications. This review compares the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Vs. 5cv Vs. 7cv Vs. 7sv Vs. 9sv to help you understand the differences between the different models so that you can make a more informed decision.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Vs. 5cv Vs. 7cv – Technical Specifications Compared (The base models)
Product Info |
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder - Specs and Features |
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fishfinder - Specs and Features |
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fishfinder - Specs and Features |
---|---|---|---|
ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
Device Name | Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv | Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv | Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv |
Device Type | Fishfinder | Fishfinder | Fishfinder |
Brand | Garmin | Garmin | Garmin |
Date Released | October, 2020 | October, 2020 | October, 2020 |
DESIGN | DESIGN | DESIGN | DESIGN |
Case material | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic |
Dimension | 98 x 174 x 45 mm | 188 x 116 x 54 mm | 235 x 140 x 58 mm |
Weight | 320g | 450g | 770g |
Fishfinder Mounting Style | Flush, Tilt/swivel | Flush, Tilt/swivel | Flush, Tilt/swivel |
Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
Display Type | QSVGA | WVGA | WVGA |
Display Size | 4.3 inches | 5 inches | 7 inches |
Input | Keyed | Keyed | Keyed |
SONAR FREQUENCY | SONAR FREQUENCY | SONAR FREQUENCY | SONAR FREQUENCY |
CHIRP | 455/800kHz | 455/800kHz | 455/800kHz |
Beam Frequency(s) | 77/200kHz | 77/200kHz | 77/200kHz |
Beamscope | 2.5°x53° (455kHz) and 1.6°x29° (800kHz), 45°/15° (77/200kHz) | 2.5°x53° (455kHz) and 1.6°x29° (800kHz), 45°/15° (77/200kHz) | 2.5°x53° (455kHz) and 1.6°x29° (800kHz), 45°/15° (77/200kHz) |
Scanning Depth | 1,900ft (traditional), 750ft (CHIRP) | 1,900ft (traditional), 750ft (CHIRP) | 1,900ft (traditional), 750ft (CHIRP) |
Transducer Mount Style | Transom | Transom | Transom |
Transducer Ping Power | 500W (Clearvu), 500W (traditional) | 500W (Clearvu), 500W (traditional) | 500W (Clearvu), 500W (traditional) |
BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
Battery Life | External battery | External battery | External battery |
Charging Mode | Charging cable | Charging cable | Charging cable |
MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS |
Inbuilt GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Map | Quickdraw Contour mapping | Quickdraw Contour mapping | Quickdraw Contour mapping |
Preloaded Maps | No | No | No |
Show Boat Speed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water temperature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Show Water Depth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NMEA Support | No | No | No |
Recommended for | Freshwater, Ice Fishing, Saltwater | Freshwater, Ice Fishing, Saltwater | Freshwater, Ice Fishing, Saltwater |
Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv Vs. 9sv – Technical Specifications Compared (The higher-end models)
Product Info |
Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv Fishfinder - Specs and Features |
Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv Fishfinder - Specs and Features |
---|---|---|
ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
Device Name | Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv | Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv |
Device Type | Fishfinder | Fishfinder |
Brand | Garmin | Garmin |
Date Released | October, 2020 | October, 2020 |
DESIGN | DESIGN | DESIGN |
Case material | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic |
Dimension | 235 x 140 x 58 mm | 282 x 165 x 60 mm |
Weight | 770g | 1.1kg |
Fishfinder Mounting Style | Flush, Tilt/swivel | Flush, Tilt/swivel |
Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
Display Type | WVGA | WVGA |
Display Size | 7 inches | 9 inches |
Input | Keyed | Keyed |
SONAR FREQUENCY | SONAR FREQUENCY | SONAR FREQUENCY |
CHIRP | 455/800kHz | 455/800kHz |
Beam Frequency(s) | 77/200kHz | 77/200kHz |
Beamscope | 2.0°x50° (455kHz) and 1.0°x30° (800kHz), 24°-16° (traditional sonar) | 2.0°x50° (455kHz) and 1.0°x30° (800kHz), 24°-16° (traditional sonar) |
Scanning Depth | 500ft (Clearvu and Sidevu), 800ft (traditional) | 500ft (Clearvu and Sidevu), 800ft (traditional) |
Transducer Mount Style | Transom | Transom |
Transducer Ping Power | 250W (Traditional), 350W (Clearvu/Sidevu) | 250W (Traditional), 350W (Clearvu/Sidevu) |
BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
Battery Life | External battery | External battery |
Charging Mode | Charging cable | Charging cable |
MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS |
Inbuilt GPS | Yes | Yes |
Map | Quickdraw Contour mapping | Quickdraw Contour mapping |
Preloaded Maps | No | No |
Show Boat Speed | Yes | Yes |
Water temperature | Yes | Yes |
Show Water Depth | Yes | Yes |
NMEA Support | No | No |
Recommended for | Freshwater, Ice Fishing, Saltwater | Freshwater, Ice Fishing, Saltwater |
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Vs. 5cv Vs. 7cv Vs. 7sv Vs. 9sv – Features Compared
Display – Each model has a bright and easy to read display
One of the main differences between the different models of the Striker Vivid series is the display size. The 4cv has the smallest display size, followed by the 5cv and then 7cv/7sv with the 9sv having the largest display size. As you may have noticed from the name of the respective models, the number represents the display size. In that regard, the 4cv has a 4 inches display size while the 9sv has a 9 inches display size.
One very good thing about these series is that you have the option to choose from 7 colors; Lava, ice blue, caribbean, rusted steel, and aqua. This allows you to customize the color of the display depending on what works best for you. The 4cv display is powered by QSVGA, while the other higher-end models have their respective displays powered by QVGA. All models are easy to read even under direct sunlight.
Navigation is also easy with each model, all the models have buttons for navigating and accessing the device. Unfortunately, there is no touchscreen support with any of the models. You can combine up to 3 views at once on the screen. i.e You can choose to show traditional sonar mode alongside Clearvu and vis-a-vis.
Design – Each model is durably built
We were really amazed by the durability of the Garmin Striker Vivid series. Each of the models is durably built and also very compact. Although, the 7cv/7sv and 9sv might be bulky for kayak and small boat owners. Installation is also very easy. Each of the models comes with a tilt/swivel mount that is easy to install by following the manual instructions. The transducers that come with each model can be mounted on the transom or trolling motor. Nonetheless, while installation is easy, it can get pretty difficult for beginners. We recommend seeking help from a professional when mounting a fishfinder for the first time.
Each of the respective models is rated IPX7. This means that each of these models can only survive water splash. Any of these models will likely malfunction if deep into the water. The Striker Vivid series are best recommended for shallow water fishing. They are not recommended for deepwater fishing.
Transducers Types and Available Frequencies – Garmin Striker Vivid Series Comparison
Each of the models in the Striker Vivid series comes with a built-in sonar. The sonar you get depends on the model you choose. The 4cv, 5cv and 7cv comes with the GT20-TM transducer, while the 7sv and 9sv comes with the GT52HW-TM transducer. The GT20-TM combines a traditional and Clearvu CHIRP sonar, while the GT52HW-TM combines a traditional, Clearvu and Sidevu sonar. The GT20-TM doesn’t offer CHIRP in traditional sonar mode. You’ll need to upgrade to GT22HW-TM or GT23M-TM transducer.
Available Frequencies on 4cv, 5cv and 7cv – The GT20-TM transducer
The transducer that comes with a fishfinder is very key to helping you find and catch more fish. In this regard, all models of the Striker Vivid Series come with a built-in sonar. However, the 7sv and 9sv have the best sonars that give you more control over your fishing activity.
The 4cv up to 7cv all come with the same GT20-TM transducer that combines a traditional and Clearvu CHIRP Sonar. The GT20-TM transducer has a power rating of 500W for both traditional and Clearvu Sonar, this reaffirms a fishfinder suitable for shallow water fishing. The available frequencies in the traditional sonar mode are 77kHz/200kHz while the available frequency in the Clearvu sonar is 455/800kHz. There is no CHIRP in the traditional sonar mode with the 4cv, 5cv and 7cv. CHIRP in traditional sonar is only available with 7sv and 9sv. To get CHIRP on 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv, you’ll need to upgrade the transducer like we mentioned earlier.
The traditional sonar that comes with the 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv can only send a single frequency with each ping. Thus, the lower 77kHz has the highest depth penetration of up to 1500ft and a wider beamwidth which can be applied to scan a larger area, while the 200kHz has a smaller beamwidth and lower penetration but can show clearer images of objects.
Meanwhile, the Clearvu sonar offers you CHIRP at a very high frequency that allows you to see near-real images of objects passing under your boat. 800kHz which has a maximum depth penetration of 500ft can show you very clear images of objects under your boat, while the 455kHz has a greater depth but is not as clear when compared to 800kHz.
Available Frequencies on 7sv and 9sv – The GT52HW-TM transducer
The 7sv and 9sv come with a higher-end transducer that gives you more control while fishing. These two models come with the GT52HW-TM transducer that combines traditional, Clearvu, and Sidevu sonars. All three sonars offer you CHIRP experience. The available frequency with the traditional sonar is 150-240kHz, which sends a CHIRP with each ping, while the available frequencies with Clearvu and Sidevu sonars are 455/800kHz. The GT52HW-TM transducer has a ping power of 250W in the traditional sonar and 350W each for Clearvu and Sidevu. And the maximum depth penetration for both Sidevu and Clearvu is 500ft, while the traditional sonar has a higher maximum depth penetration of 800ft.
With Sidevu, you can see very clear images of objects to the sides of your boat. 800kHz offers the most clarity, allowing you to see near-real images of objects to the sides of your boat. Meanwhile, the Clearvu sonar will show you very clear images of objects passing under your boat.
The 7sv and 9sv give you more control over your fishing activity as you will get CHIRP in traditional, Clearvu and Sidevu sonars.
Inbuilt GPS – Each model comes with an inbuilt GPS
All models in the Striker Vivid Series comes with inbuilt GPS. This helps in navigation and also allows you to track routes, locations and mark waypoints.
With any of these models, you can create and track routes of where you fish. You can also create waypoints of your fishing spots. This will allow you to mark where you found the most fish and also help create your favorite fishing spots.
With 4cv and 5cv you can create routes and waypoints which can only be stored on the device. And with 7cv, 7sv and 9sv, you can create and store routes as well as transfer created data through the ActiveCaptain app. That’s because the last three have WiFi. Moreover, with an inbuilt GPS in each model, you can see the speed of your boat. This will allow you to plan your travel on the water more efficiently.
Quickdraw Contours Mapping – Create maps with each model
Quickdraw contours mapping is one of the features you get on the Striker Vivid Series. Each model has this feature that allows you to mark a map of your fishing area. This map can serve as a reference point for your future fishing adventure. Note that, the accuracy of maps or any user-generated data is totally dependent on you.
With 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv, you can export maps you created via the ActiveCaptain app. You can also download apps created by other users from the Garmin community.
ActiveCaptain App – Transfer maps and get smartphone notifications
Only the 7cv, 7sv and 9sv come with a WiFi, as a result only these models support the ActiveCaptain app. Once the fishfinder is paired with the app, you’ll be able to transfer maps you created via the ActiveCaptain app. You can also download maps created by others as well as get smartphone notifications.
What Transducer Comes With Each Model?
Just in case you missed it, the 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv come with the GT20-TM transducer. It’s a transom or trolling motor-mounted transducer that is easy to install. It combines a traditional and Clearvu sonar. It has 500W ping power for the traditional sonar and 500W for the Clearvu sonar. As we mentioned earlier, you won’t get CHIRP with traditional sonar.
On the other hand, 7sv and 9sv come with a GT52HW-TM transducer that combines traditional, Clearvu and Sidevu sonars. It’s also a transom or trolling motor mounted transducer with a ping power rating of 250W for traditional sonar, and 350W for Clearvu and Sidevu sonars.
Which Model is Right For You?
Moreover, the 7sv and 9sv offer more features. These two have CHIRP in all three sonars. That’s to say you getting CHIRP in traditional, Clearvu, and Sidevu sonars. You can always get CHIRP in traditional sonar mode with 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv when you upgrade the transducer, but this will cost you a little more money.
Conclusion
Any of the models in the Striker Vivid series is a decent fishfinder that can help you find and catch more fish. The 4cv is the cheapest model with fewer features, while the 7sv and 9sv have the most features as well as the biggest display sizes. If you have decided on which model to go for, you should also know that these fishfinders require a power source. Preferably, a 12V power source. This has to be considered in other to plan your budget effectively.