Some skepticism existed when Garmin released the original STRIKER series a few years ago. These were, and are still, stripped-down versions of the Echomap UHD series. Would anglers want a fish finder with updated sonar capabilities but no maps or data storage?
Turns out, yes, STRIKER proved to be an excellent value to anglers and is a popular fishfinder series. With the release of Vivid, Garmin has made a significant transducer update, along with slick new color palettes for each model. So, we set out to see if the new STRIKER Vivid series is as good a deal as the original.
Striker Vivid Series Overview
New with Striker Vivid
Upgraded Transducer – The Striker 9sv and 7sv models come with the GT52HW-TM, which has side and down-looking imaging elements for the best possible images. The cv models still include the GT20-TM transducer for regular CHIRP and ClearVu imaging.
No More “Calculated” ClearVu – The GT52HW-TM has a dedicated down-looking piezo for pure ClearVu imaging. The old CV52HW-TM had to rely on the two side beams to create a “calculated” ClearVu image. This means you get clearer down-view imaging on the Striker Vivid.
New “Vivid” Color Palettes – Striker has always been a basic fishfinder series and never quite took full advantage of the 800×480 WVGA display. The Striker Vivid adds a handful of new color palettes that make the SideVu and ClearVu images really pop onscreen.
Striker Vivid 9sv, 7sv Review
Overview – The Striker Vivid 9sv and 7sv are the best units in this series. Both have bright, easy-viewing WVGA displays with 800×480 resolution. With features like CHIRP sonar, SideVü, and ClearVü they truly are feature-rich and price-conscious locators.
The mounting brackets now feature a quick disconnect bail mount, where the cables are fixed in place on the bracket, and the head unit can be removed in seconds. I really like that feature for traveling and storage, not having to mess with screws and locks.
Sonar – These two units have identical sonar capabilities to their big brother Echomap UHD 93sv and 73sv. They pack out with the upgraded GT52HW-TM transducer with transom and trolling motor mounting hardware.
Note: To get high-speed 2D depth readings, you’ll need to buy a GT8HW-IH shoot through hull transducer and Y-Cable.
GPS & Maps – The one glaring omission from the Striker Vivid is still the lack of onboard maps. There is no MicroSD for map chips, and nothing is pre-loaded onto the unit.
You are limited to making your own contour maps with Quickdraw Contours. All things considered, that is a lot better than nothing. And besides, if you really need the maps, step up to the Echomap UHD series. A Striker fish finder is a value unit, after all.
Striker Vivid 7cv, 5cv Review
Overview – Stepping down to the 7cv and 5cv, you lose SideVü and get a weaker transducer. But the big thing about these two is the price. Both the 7cv and 5cv retail MSRP come in under five hundred. Crazy. 5 years ago, that kind of price and screen size was unthinkable.
2D sonar is great for seeing the traditional fish arches we are all used to seeing, but with ClearVü imaging, structure comes alive. You can see what objects look like rather than amorphous blobs. With a lot of seat time, fish and bait become much easier to spot.
Sonar – The 7cv and 5cv bundles come with the GT20-TM transducer, which is a traditional 2D plus CHIRP ClearVü transducer. It’s disappointing that a CHIRP capable unit like the Striker Vivid doesn’t have a full CHIRP transducer.
You must upgrade to the GT22HW-TM or GT23M-TM transducer to enable the 2D CHIRP. HW means “High Wide,” and M means “Middle.” The GT23M-TM also has a lower CHIRP ClearVü frequency range (260/455 kHz) for improved deep-water imaging.
If you like to run your fish finder on the bow, any of those transducers already have a trolling motor adapter bracket in the box for you.
GPS & Maps – The mapping situation is the same on the 5cv and 7cv. No maps on board and no MicroSD slot. You, your motor, and Quickdraw are in charge of making lake maps.
Striker Vivid 4cv Review
Now we have the smaller vertically oriented 4-inch model. Only the 4cv is offered now, with the sonar only unit being eliminated.