Garmin Striker Vivid Review – 4cv, 5cv, 7cv, 7sv and 9sv Review and Comparison

If your looking for a mid-range fishfinder with great capability, then choosing from the Garmin Striker Vivid series will make a great choice. The Striker Vivid Series is designed for both shallow water and deepwater fishing. The included models under the Striker Vivid Series are the 4cv, 5cv, 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv. The “cv and sv” represent Garmin’s Clearvu and Sidevu technologies. While Clearvu allows you to see clearly what is under your boat, Sidevu allows you to see what lies on both sides of your boat. These are high-frequency CHIRP sonars that offer a near-photographic image of what is directly under and sideways of your boat. The Striker Vivid series also comes with inbuilt GPS for easy navigation, location, and route tracking. Other features include the ability to draw maps of your favorite fishing spots using the quickdraw contours feature, and you can customize the display by choosing from seven color options. This post takes a deep dive into what the respective models of the Striker Vivid series has to offer and the differences between the different models.

What is Garmin Striker Vivid Series

Garmin Striker Vivid is a mid-range fishfinder that comes with both a traditional CHIRP sonar and high-frequency CHIRP Sonar. The traditional sonar operates on a dual-frequency mode of 77kHz/200kHz or 50/200kHz which is ideal for viewing fish arches, while the high-frequency Clearvu or Sidevu CHIRP allows you to see near-photographic images of what is directly under or sideways of your boat. The Vivid series also has an inbuilt GPS, quick contours that allow you to create a chart of where you’re fishing as well as more display color options.

What is Garmin’s Clearvu

Garmin’s Clearvu is a high-frequency CHIRP sonar that allows you to see a near-photographic image of what is directly under your boat. It operates on a high 260/455/800kHz. The 800kHz offers the best clarity but has a lower depth penetration when compared to 455 kHz. Clearvu is combined with a traditional sonar so that you have different frequency options that can be applied for different occasions.

You can apply the 77kHz of the traditional sonar when you want to target greater depth, while the 200kHz can be applied to get a clearer image of fishes, bottom structures, and other objects, but with lower depth penetration. And with the high frequency of Clearvu, you can see picture-like images of whatever is under your boat. So, these combinations allow you to find more fish easily.

What is Garmin’s Sidevu

Just like Clearvu, Garmin’s Sidevu is a high-frequency CHIRP sonar that allows you to see near-picture images of fishes, structures, and other objects by the sides of your boat. The frequency range is 260/455/800/1200kHz, and this can be applied to see images of objects located on the sides of your boat. Sidevu is also combined with a traditional sonar to give you more frequency options that can be applied in different situations like described above.

Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv vs 5cv vs 7cv vs 7sv vs 9sv – The differences

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv vs 9sv – The differences

The difference between the different models of the Striker Vivid series comes in the display sizes, transducer type, WiFi, and support for the ActiveCaptain App. The availability of WiFi and the ActiveCaptain App allows a user to transfer created maps to the app.

1. Only 7cv, 7sv and 9sv support the ActiveCaptain App. This means that only these models will allow you to create and transfer user-generated data via the app. You can also download maps created by other users on Garmin Community.
2. Moreover, only 7sv and 9sv feature Sidevu – A CHIRP sonar that can show you very clear images of objects 500ft to the sides of your boat.
3. Evenmore, only 7sv and 9sv have CHIRP in the traditional sonar mode which transmits frequencies from 150-240kHz with each ping, allowing for greater target separation and clarity.
4. Finally, the 7cv,7sv and 9sv have the biggest displays that allow you see more at a glance.

Meanwhile, the 4cv and 5cv also have very decent features but do not support the ActiveCaptain App due to lack of WiFi. As a result, you can only create and store routes, waypoints, and maps on the device but you can’t transfer these user-generated data to the app.

Moreover, the 4cv, 5cv and 7cv lack CHIRP in the traditional sonar. You only have the 77/200kHz frequencies in the traditional mode alongside a Clearvu CHIRP sonar that allows you to see very clear images of objects passing under your boat.

Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Review

Garmin 4cv is the cheapest of all the models available in the Striker Vivid series. This is because it has the smallest display, transmission power of 300W, and doesn’t support CHIRP in the traditional Sonar mode. CHIRP is only available with Clearvu. It has a 4-inches colored display, features inbuilt GPS, and comes with a Garmin GT20-TM transducer that features both Clearvu and traditional sonar. One thing consumers have said about the Striker Vivid 4cv is that it’s very easy to install, also very compact, and durable.

Display

The Vivid 4cv has a 4 inches display which is where the “4” in its name comes from. The display is powered by QSVGA with a 272 x 480-pixel resolution which is bright and easy to read. Although, not the best experience when the sun is very bright. You can customize the colors of the display by choosing from seven colors; Lava, ice blue, caribbean, rusted steel, and aqua. The display is able to show water temperature, speed, depth, time, voltage, direction, fish, and other objects underwater.

The homescreen shows all the different features of the Striker Vivid 4cv, this includes traditional mode, Clearvu mode, split-screen frequency mode, and quickdraw map. You can choose from any of the options depending on what you want to see.

Transducer

The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv comes with a GT20-TM transducer that can be mounted using transom or trolling motor style. It combines a traditional sonar and Clearvu with frequencies ranging from 50/77/200kHz and 260/455/800kHz respectively. This transducer has a power rating of 500W for both the traditional and Clearvu sonar. The maximum depth is set at 1500ft for the traditional sonar while it is 1000ft for Clearvu. Going by these ratings, the Striker Vivid 4cv can be used for both freshwater and deepwater fishing. Although, a transducer with a higher ping power is recommended for deepwater/saltwater fishing.

Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Available Frequencies

The available frequencies that come with the GT20-TM transducer comprises of both traditional and CHIRP frequencies. For the traditional sonar, it’s a dual-frequency sonar that can send a single ping at a time. The available options include a 77/200kHz and 50/200kHz mode. The traditional sonar mode of 4cv lacks CHIRP. The lower 50kHz or 77kHz has greater coverage and can penetrate deep into the water up to 1500ft, this can be used to scan an area. However, when you want precision, the 200kHz can be applied but has less penetrating power.

With Clearvu, you have frequency options that include 260/455/800kHz. You can choose from 260/455kHz which is ideal for scanning deepwater up to 1000ft. 455/800kHz is also supported, this has lower penetrating power, but offers the best clarity possible up to 500ft. CHIRP frequencies allow you to sweep each pulse through a range of frequencies, resulting in better target separation in deep water. As a result, CHIRP can be used to distinctly identify targets, like individual fish in a school.

GPS

There is an inbuilt GPS in the 4cv that allows you to track your routes and locations. You can create and save routes and locations while fishing. And with Waypoint, you can mark where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. Stored waypoints can help you mark your favorite fishing spots. It can also help you navigate the waters effortlessly.

Quickdraw Contours Mapping

Quickdraw Contours mapping is one of the features that you get with the Striker Vivid series. This feature allows you to instantly create maps with contours and depth labels for any body of water so that you can mark your favorite fishing area. You can view Quickdraw Contours on a combination screen or as a single view on the map. And the 4cv allows you to store up to 2 million acres of maps with a 1° contour. The maps created on 4cv are strictly user-generated, you can’t load maps nor can you transfer maps from the device to the Garmin Community. And that’s because the 4cv lacks WiFi and doesn’t support the ActiveCaptain App – the app that allows you to transfer user-generated data such as waypoints and routes. Only 7cv,7sv and 9sv support ActiveCaptain App.

What Transducer Come with Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv?

Like mentioned earlier, the 4cv comes with a GT20-TM transducer that combines traditional and Clervu sonar. Only Clervu offers CHIRP sonar while the traditional sonar mode offers a dual-beam frequency mode that sends a single ping at a time.

Included with Striker Vivid 4cv – Box Content

• STRIKER Vivid 4cv fishfinder
• GT20-TM transducer
• Power/data cable
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Hardware
• Documentation

Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Manual

Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Review

A step further from the 4cv is the 5cv. This model of fishfinder in the Striker Vivid series has a slightly larger display and a higher ping power than the 4cv model. It’s a perfect choice for coastal water fishing. It also packs the same GT20-TM transducer that combines both traditional and CHIRP sonar to help you catch more fish in lesser time.

Display

The 5cv has a 5 inches display that is powered by a more colorful WVGA technology. You can customize the display color by choosing from the following seven colors; Lava, ice blue, caribbean, rusted steel, and aqua. The homescreen shows you the various features which include traditional view mode, Clearvu view mode as well as the ability to combine two modes. You can adjust display brightness, color mode (choose from 7 colors) and as well as set how the device beeps.

Transducer

The 5cv comes with the GT20-TM transducer just like the 4cv that is mounted using the transom or trolling motor style. This transducer as mentioned earlier is able to combine a traditional dual-frequency mode with a CHIRP Clearvu. The available frequencies range from 50/77/200kHz for the traditional sonar and 260/455/800kHz for Clearvu. The high frequency of Clearvu allows you to see near-real images of objects directly under your boat, while the dual-frequency mode of the traditional sonar will allow you to see fish arches, seabed, and other objects in 2D format just like a regular fishfinder.

Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Available Frequencies

The available frequencies are 50/77/200kHz for the traditional sonar and 260/455/800kHz for the Clearvu CHIRP sonar. The 50 or 70kHz has a wider beamwidth that allows you to scan a larger area, it also has the highest penetration up to 1500ft. The 200kHz offers more precision but less depth penetration. It can be used when you want to zoom in on the area. Meanwhile, the 800kHz of Clearvu will allow you to see the clearest image that looks almost like a real image, but the penetration is very limited to 500ft, while the 260/455kHz has a higher penetration of up to 1000ft but not as clear as 800kHz.

GPS

With inbuilt GPS in the 5cv, you can track your routes and locations. The 5cv allows you to create routes of where you fishing. You can store marked routes on the device which you can access later. This makes it easy for you to mark your favorite fishing spots as well as helps make navigating and finding your way back home easier. You can create as many waypoints as possible with respect to the device storage capacity.

Quickdraw Contours Mapping

The quickdraw contours mapping feature that we talked about earlier in 4cv is also available in 5cv. This feature allows you to create a map of your favorite fishing area. You can then access this map later for reference purposes, thus making it easy for you to locate an area you have previously been to. The 5cv doesn’t have Wifi, nor does it support the ActiveCaptain App. As a result, you cannot transfer routes, waypoints, or maps you created to the app nor can you download maps and routes created by others from the Garmin community. That’s to say you can’t load maps to 5cv, it’s only user-generated. These features are only available in 7cv upwards.

What Transducer Come with Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv?

The 5cv comes with a GT20-TM transducer just like the 4cv. It’s a 500W transom or trailing motor mount transducer that is recommended for shallow water fishing. It combines a traditional and Clearvu CHIRP sonar operating at 50/70/200kHz and 260/455/800kHz respectively. The traditional sonar mode allows you to see fish arches and other objects in 2D while the Clearvu sonar allows you to see very clear pictures of objects passing under your boat.

Included with Striker Vivid 5cv – Box Content

• STRIKER Vivid 5cv fishfinder
• GT20-TM transducer
• Power/data cable
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Hardware
• Garmin bumper sticker
• Documentation

Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Manual

Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Review

The 7cv has very close similarities to the 5cv except that it has a bigger display size and also supports the ActiveCaptain App that makes it possible to transfer your created routes and waypoints as well as also allows you to download maps and routes created by others from the Garmin community. The well-designed 7cv fishfinder has a transmission power of 500W (RMS) and comes with a GT20-TM transducer that makes it an ideal choice for shallow water fishing.

Display

The 7cv has a wider display size of 7 inches that allows you to see more at glance. The display is powered by WVGA which is bright and easy to read. You can access the 7cv via touchscreen support as well as through physical buttons. The display can be customized to show a combination of views depending on what you wish to see. You have options to view the traditional sonar mode, Clearvu mode, maps, waypoints, and more. There are also seven vivid colors to choose from just like the other models mentioned before with water temperature, depth, speed, and more shown on the display.

Sonar & Transducer

Just like the 4cv and 5cv, the 7cv comes with built-in sonar. It comes with a GT20-TM transducer that combines traditional sonar and Clearvu CHIRP sonar. It has a power rating of 500W for both the traditional and Clearvu CHIRP sonar. The 7cv doesn’t support CHIRP in the traditional mode, if you want CHIRP in the traditional sonar, you can upgrade to the GT22HW-TM transducer or better still upgrade to the 7sv discussed below.

Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Available Frequencies

The supported frequencies with the 7cv are 50/70/200kHz for the traditional sonar and 260/455/800kHz for the Clearvu CHIRP sonar. As pointed out earlier, CHIRP is not available with the 7cv traditional sonar, you can only choose from the 50/70kHz which has a wider beamwidth and the deepest penetrating power of up to 1500ft for scanning a wider area. For more precision and clarity, the 200kHz can be applied but it has a lower penetrating power.

With Garmin’s Clearvu, you get a CHIRP sonar that can show you images of objects passing under your boat in the best possible clarity. The 800kHz offers the best clarity but has a penetrating power of up to 500ft, while the 455kHz has a higher penetrating power of up to 1000ft, but with lower image resolution when compared to 800kHz.

GPS

There is an inbuilt GPS in the 7cv that allows you to track routes, locations and create waypoints. You can easily create routes from the 7cv which can be accessed later. In the same tone, you can also create a waypoint that allows you to mark spots. This can help you mark fishing spots that you can return back to subsequently, thus making it easy to find the best possible places to fish.

Quickdraw Contours Mapping

Quickdraw contours mapping is also available with the 7cv, this feature allows you to create a map of your favorite fishing areas. This can be used for reference purposes to help you find the best possible areas to catch more fish. You can view maps in a combination of screens or as a single view on the map.

When Garmin Quickdraw Contours records data, a colored circle surrounds the vessel icon. This circle represents the approximate area of the map that is scanned by each pass. A green circle indicates a good depth and GPS position, and a speed under 16 km/h (10 mph). A yellow circle indicates a good depth and GPS position, and a speed between 16 and 32 km/h (10 and 20 mph). A red circle indicates poor depth or GPS position, and a speed above 32 km/h (20 mph).

ActiveCaptain App

7cv supports the ActiveCaptain App, this allows you to transfer created routes, waypoints and maps to the app. And with Garmin Community, you can download maps created by other users in the community using the apps. Please note that it’s your sole responsibility to verify the total accurateness of maps created by you or others.

What Transducer Come with Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv?

The 7cv comes with the GT20-TM transducer that combines a traditional and Clearvu CHIRP sonar. It has a power rating of 500W for both traditional and Clearvu sonar and can be mounted using transom or trolling motor style. It has a depth penetration of 1900ft for the traditional sonar and 750ft for the Clearvu sonar. Thus, its recommended for shallow water fishing.

Included Striker Vivid 7cv – Box Content

• STRIKER Vivid 7cv fishfinder
• GT20-TM transducer
• Power/data cable
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Hardware
• Garmin bumper sticker
• Documentation

Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Manual

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv and 9sv Review

The 7sv and 9sv are the high-end models in the Striker Vivid series. These two come with the GT52HW-TM transducer that combines a traditional CHIRP sonar with Clearvu and Sidevu CHIRP sonars. Each of these two has a 500W (RMS) transmission power and also has WiFi that supports the ActiveCaptain App that allows for transferring and downloading user-generated data.

The main difference between the 7sv/9sv and the other models is the presence of Garmin’s Sidevu CHIRP sonar that allows you to see very clear images of what is to both sides of your boat (where the “sv” comes from). As well as the availability of CHIRP in the traditional sonar through 150-240kHz in each ping. Meanwhile, the difference between the 7sv and 9sv as far as we know is the different display sizes.

Display

While the 7sv has a seven inches wide display just like the 7cv, the 9sv has a bigger 9 inches wide display. The WVGA powered colorful display is bright and easy to read, and you have the option to choose from seven colors to customize the display depending on your preference.

Sonar and Transducer

The 7sv and 9sv come with the GT52HW-TM transducer that combines traditional and Clearvu/Sidevu sonars. It’s a 12-pin transom or trolling motor mounted transducer with a 250W rating for the traditional CHIRP sonar and 350W for the Clearvu/Sidevu Sonars. It’s easy to install and recommended for shallow water fishing.

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv and 9sv Available Frequencies

The available frequencies on the 7sv and 9sv are 150-240 kHz for the traditional CHIRP sonar while 260/455/800 kHz are the available frequencies for Clearvu and Sidevu. You can use the traditional CHIRP sonar which has greater penetration of up to 800ft and a beamwidth of 24°-16° to scan a wider area around your boat. Meanwhile, the 455/800kHz of Clearvu will allow you to see clear images of objects 500ft under your boat while the 455/800kHz will allow you to see clear images of objects 500ft to both sides of your boat.

GPS

Just like other models in the Striker Vivid series, the 7sv and 9sv come with built-in GPS that enables you to create routes and waypoints as well as track your locations. It gives you the ability to mark familiar waters that make it easy for you to find the best spots to fish. Created routes and waypoints can be stored on the device or transferred to the ActiveCaptain App.

Quickdraw Contours Mapping

With the Quickdraw Contours mapping feature on 7sv and 9sv, you can map areas where you fish and this can serve as a reference point for familiar waters, allowing you to mark the best areas to fish. You can create your own maps on your device or you can download already created maps by other users in Garmin Community.

ActiveCaptain App

The 7sv and 9sv support the ActiveCaptain App which allows you to transfer maps, routes, and waypoints you created. You can also download other users’ maps from the Garmin community.

What Transducer Come with Garmin Striker 7sv and 9sv?

Both 7sv and 9sv come with the GT52HW-TM transducer. This transducer according to users is easy to install on the transom of your boat or on the trailing motor. It combines a traditional CHIRP sonar with Clearvu and Sidevu, thus giving you more control over what passes under and to the sides of your boat.

What is Included – Box Content for 7sv

• STRIKER Vivid 7sv fishfinder
• GT52HW-TM transducer
• Power/data cable
• 12-pin to dual 4-pin transducer adapter cable
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Hardware
• Garmin bumper sticker
• Documentation

What is Included – Box Content for 9sv

• STRIKER Vivid 9sv fishfinder
• GT52HW-TM transducer
• Power/data cable
• 12-pin to dual 4-pin transducer adapter cable
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Hardware
• Garmin bumper sticker
• Documentation

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv/9sv Manual

Conclusion

In all, the Garmin Striker Vivid series of well-designed and equipped fishfinders especially going by the prices. If you looking for a decent fishfinder that’s durably built and can help you find and catch more fish. Any model in the Vivid series will make a great choice with the 7sv and 9sv giving you even more control. However, these are best recommended for shallow water fishing. If you want a befitting fishfinder for deepwater fishing, then you can check out our best fishfinders for deepwater fishing.