Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV Fishfinder Review

Home | Brand: Garmin | Series: Striker Series | Model: Vivid 4CV | Our Score: 4.9/5

When it comes to the Garmin Striker Series, the Striker 4 and the Striker Vivid 4cv are the most efficient and affordable entry-level fish finder instruments to locate fish under water.

The major differences between Striker 4 and Striker Vivid 4cv are the “CV” Clear View transducer, display size, and screen resolution.

The Striker Vivid 4CV features an advanced CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning for a clearer view.

Keen to learn more? This Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV review will cover all you need to know about the fish finder to see if it’s the budget-friendly angler to lift your fishing game.

Garmin 010-02550-00 Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer
Garmin 010-02550-00 Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer

Specs: Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV Fishfinder

SpecificationsGarmin Vivid Striker 4cv
Dimension3.9” x 6.9” x 1.8” (9.8 x 17.4 x 4.5 cm)
Weight0.7 lbs (320 g)
WaterproofIPX7
Display TypeQSVGA
Display Size2.1″ x 3.7″ (5.4 x 9.5 cm); 4.3″ diag, (10.9 cm)
Display Resolution272 X 480 pixels
Mounting Optionsflush, tilt/swivel
InputKeyed
Waypoints/Favorites/Locations5000
Track Points50,000
Tracks50
Navigation Routes100
GPSYes
Has Built-In ReceiverYes
Supports WAASYes
Optional Map SupportYes
Electrical FeaturesYes
Power Input12 to 20 VDC
Typical Current Draw0.40 A
Maximum Current Draw1.5 A
Power Consumption4.8
Displays SonarYes
Traditional Sonar (Dual Frequency/Beam)Built-in
ClearvüYes
FrequencyTraditional: 50/77/200 kHz CHIRP (mid and high) ClearVü 260/455/800 kHz
Transmit Power300 W (RMS)
Bottom Lock (Shows Return From The Bottom Up)Yes
Water Temperature LogYes
4-Pin Transducer Ports1
Fish Symbol Id (Helps Identify Fish Targets)Yes

Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV Review

Display/Screen

When it comes to fish finders, visibility is key and the Garmin Striker Series nails it with its 4″ display. The screen is bright and sharp, which means whether you’re in full sunlight or the murky dawn of early fishing hours, you won’t miss a thing. The Vivid series, with its color highlighting, really makes those underwater features and fish schools pop!

Sonar & Transducer

The The GT20 transducer in the Striker Series is a game-changer. The ClearVu sonar gives you almost photographic images of what’s beneath you, revealing structures, vegetation, and of course, the fish themselves. The transducer sends out a reliable signal, ensuring you get a consistent reading of the watery world below—vital for targeting the right spots.

Navigation

The Striker Series has a standout feature for navigation: a High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints. Mark your mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed with ease and get back to them without fuss. You can create your own maps using the Quickdraw Contours feature. It draws precise 1-foot contour lines, so you don’t need an extra chartplotter.

Networking

Networking might not be the first thing you think of with a fish finder, but the Striker Series makes sure it’s not an afterthought. While it may not have the extensive networking capabilities of higher-end models, it gives you enough connectivity to share waypoints and routes with other devices, which is a nice touch for a fish finder at this level.

What’s In The Box?

Opening the Striker Series box, you’re equipped to start your fishing quest right away. It’s packed with the unit, transducer, mounting brackets, and cables. And with the GT20 transducer with its extensive 20 ft of transducer cable, you’re given enough leeway to rig up your boat properly without additional purchases.

FAQs on Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV Fish Finder

The Garmin Striker 4 and Striker 4cv differ primarily in their sonar capabilities and display features. The “cv” in Striker 4cv stands for “ClearVü,” which refers to Garmin’s advanced sonar technology that provides a clearer image of what is beneath the water. The Striker 4cv comes with the ClearVü transducer, enhancing underwater imaging. Moreover, the 4cv model boasts a larger display and higher screen resolution, offering better clarity and more detail for users, which is crucial when discerning between structures, objects, and fish underwater.
The battery life of the Garmin Striker 4cv is impressive, lasting up to almost 8 hours on a single charge. This endurance is ideal for anglers who plan to spend a full day on the water, ensuring continuous fishing support without the need for frequent recharging.
In terms of depth, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv showcases its prowess by providing accurate readings down to 1750 feet in freshwater and 830 feet in saltwater for traditional sonar. With ClearVü, it offers detailed images up to 250 feet deep. The supported frequencies—traditional (50/77/200 kHz), CHIRP (mid and high), and ClearVü (260/455/800 kHz)—are instrumental for adaptive sonar imaging, ensuring that users have a range of options for different fishing environments.
Yes, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is versatile and can be used for ice fishing as well. Its technology is equipped to perform in cold conditions, providing clear sonar readings beneath the ice, making it a valuable tool for anglers who enjoy this winter sport.
For proper installation of the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv, it is important to securely mount the transducer on the hull, as its placement is critical for accurate sonar returns. Following the step-by-step guide in the user manual will help ensure that you set up the device for optimal performance. For further guidance, the user manual can be accessed online here.
Adjusting the sensitivity of the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv fish finder is straightforward. Access the Sonar settings menu to find the Sensitivity options. Here, you can fine-tune the sensitivity level to match the fishing conditions, whether you’re in shallow waters or deep seas, ensuring that your sonar readings are neither too weak nor cluttered with too much noise.
Custom fishing maps can be created with the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv using the Quickdraw Contours feature. This functionality allows you to map and save the contours of your favorite fishing spots. With Quickdraw, you can add waypoints and significant catches to your map, building a personal fishing guide that can be referenced on future trips.
Understanding the fish symbols displayed on the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv’s screen is key to identifying what’s below your boat. The Fish Symbol ID technology translates sonar returns into recognizable icons, with different shapes and sizes indicating the type of fish detected. Reference the user manual for detailed explanations of each symbol to enhance your ability to target specific species.
The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv does measure water temperature, which is displayed on its screen. Knowing the water temperature can be crucial for successful fishing, as many species of fish are sensitive to temperature changes and may be more or less active depending on the water’s warmth.
Yes, the manual for the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv is available in English and can be accessed online, providing comprehensive instructions and guidance on all the features of the device. You can view or download the English manual for future reference to maximize the utility of your fish finder.

Verdict

The Garmin STRIKER VIVID 4cv fishfinder stands out with its 4-inch color display, enhanced by vivid scanning sonar color palettes that improve the distinction between fish and underwater structures.

It includes the GT20 transducer for CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar capabilities.

Its high-sensitivity GPS for navigation, waypoint marking, and boat speed monitoring, along with the Quickdraw Contours feature for on-the-fly mapping, makes it a versatile tool for anglers.

Weighing 320 grams with dimensions of 2.1″L x 3.7″W x 4.3″H, it is a compact device designed for ease of use and efficient fish finding.

Gary Burrell

Chief Content Writer and Reviewer at Garmin Fish Finders.us

Born in 1989, Gary Burrell is an Electrical Engineering graduate from the University of Tennessee. With 20+ years of experience, he has transitioned from engineering roles to becoming the Chief Content Editor. Gary’s unique blend of technical knowledge and editorial expertise has made him an essential figure in content creation, ensuring clarity and accuracy. His journey from an engineer to an editor showcases his adaptability and commitment to continuous learning.

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