Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7cv Fishfinder with GT20-TM
Home | Brand: Garmin | Series: Striker Series | Model: 4 | Our Score: 4.7/5
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a high-sensitivity GPS fish finder with a transducer that is over half the price. It offers high-quality imaging and is affordable, with a large, bright display and easy-to-follow menus.
The unit weighs just 4.4 pounds and measures 3.4 inches in length, 6.1 inches in width, and 7 inches in height. The unit features high-contrast color palettes for better visibility of fish and structure. It includes a GT20 transducer for Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar.
The high-sensitivity GPS allows users to mark hot spots, plan routes, and view boat speed.
It also has built-in Quickdraw Contours software for creating and saving maps with 1′ contours. The Striker Vivid 7cv comes with a tilt/swivel mount, transom, and trolling motor mounting hardware and cable.
In this article, we will review the Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV fishfinder. We will discuss its specifications, key features, what comes in the box, pros, cons, and answer some common questions.
Let’s kick-start the Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV review now.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Specifications
| Specifications | Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension | 9.3” x 5.5” x 2.3” (23.5 x 14.0 x 5.8 cm) | |||
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | |||
| Waterproof | IPX7 | |||
| Display Type | WVGA color | |||
| Display Size | 3.4″ x 6.1″ (8.6 x 15.4 cm); 7.0″ diag (17.8 cm) | |||
| Display Resolution | 800 x 480 pixels | |||
| Mounting Options | flush, tilt/swivel | |||
| Input | Keyed | |||
| Waypoints/Favorites/Locations | 5000 | |||
| Track Points | 50,000 | |||
| Tracks | 50 | |||
| Navigation Routes | 100 | |||
| GPS | Yes | |||
| Has Built-In Receiver | Yes | |||
| Supports WAAS | Yes | |||
| Garmin Quickdraw Contours | Yes | |||
| Power Input | 12 to 20 Vdc | |||
| Typical Current Draw | 0.55 A | |||
| Max Current Draw | 1.5 A | |||
| Power Consumption | 6.6 | |||
| Displays Sonar | Yes | |||
| Traditional Sonar (Dual Frequency/Beam) | Built-in | |||
| Clearvü | Yes | |||
| Frequency | Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz CHIRP (mid and high) ClearVü 260/455/800 kHz | |||
| Transmit Power | 500 W (RMS) | |||
| Bottom Lock (Shows Return From The Bottom Up) | Yes | |||
| Water Temperature Log | Yes | |||
| 4-Pin Transducer Ports | 1 | |||
| Garmin Wi-Fi Network (Local Connection) | Yes | |||
| Split-Screen Zoom | Yes | |||
| Fish Symbol Id (Helps Identify Fish Targets) | Yes | |||
| Autogain Technology (Minimizes Clutter; Maximizes Targets) | Yes | |||
| Adjustable Depth Line (Measures Depth Of Underwater Objects) | Yes | |||
| A-Scope (Real Time Display Of Fish Passing Through Transducer Beam) | Yes | |||
| Water Temperature Sensor Included | Yes | |||
| Depth Range Shading | Yes |
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Key Features
Compact Design and Durability
The Striker Vivid 7cv is thoughtfully sized at 9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches, making it a perfect fit for various boat setups. Its weight of 1.7 lbs strikes a balance between heft and portability. Equipped with an IPX7 waterproof rating, it’s built to withstand challenging fishing environments, ensuring reliability and longevity.
Advanced Display
A highlight of this model is its WVGA color display, measuring 3.4″ x 6.1″ with a 7-inch diagonal. The screen’s 800 x 480-pixel resolution delivers exceptional clarity, making map reading and sonar data easy to interpret. The unit offers versatile mounting options like flush and tilt/swivel, accommodating different preferences and boat configurations.
Memory and Navigation
With the capacity to store 5000 waypoints, favorites, and locations, plus the ability to track up to 50,000 points and 50 individual tracks, this device is a navigator’s delight. It can handle up to 100 navigation routes, ideal for planning and recording your fishing excursions.
Precise GPS and Mapping
The built-in GPS receiver, enhanced by WAAS support, ensures accurate positioning. The device’s compatibility with Garmin Quickdraw Contours allows anglers to create personalized fishing maps with 1-foot contours, covering a vast area.
Efficient Power Use
The Striker Vivid 7cv is energy-conscious, with a typical current draw of 0.55 A and a maximum of 1.5 A.
Operating on a power input of 12 to 20 Vdc and consuming just 6.6 watts, it’s an efficient choice for long fishing trips.
Sonar Excellence
Sonar capabilities are a standout feature. The device offers both traditional and ClearVü sonar, with frequencies ranging from 50/77/200 kHz for traditional and 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü, powered by a 500 W (RMS) transmitter. It includes a Bottom Lock feature, a Water Temperature Log, and is equipped with a 4-pin transducer port.
Enhanced Fishfinding Features
Geared towards maximizing your catch, the Striker Vivid 7cv includes Split-Screen Zoom, Fish Symbol ID, Autogain Technology, and an Adjustable Depth Line. The A-Scope feature provides real-time display of fish movements, and the unit comes with a built-in water temperature sensor and depth range shading.
Connectivity
Rounding off its features is the Garmin Wi-Fi network capability, ensuring easy integration and updates, enhancing its overall functionality and user experience.
What’s in the box?
- STRIKER Vivid 7cv fishfinder
- GT20-TM transducer
- Power/data cable
- Tilt/swivel mount
- Hardware
- Garmin bumper sticker
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Documentation
Pros:
- Compact, waterproof design with IPX7 rating, suitable for various fishing environments.
- Crisp, high-resolution 7-inch display for clear visibility of maps and sonar data.
- Extensive memory to store up to 5000 waypoints and track 50,000 points.
- Highly accurate GPS with WAAS support for precise navigation.
- Garmin Quickdraw Contours for creating detailed custom fishing maps.
- Energy-efficient operation with low power consumption.
- Advanced sonar capabilities including traditional and ClearVü sonar.
- Comprehensive fishfinding features like Split-Screen Zoom and Fish Symbol ID.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless integration and updates.
Cons:
- Lacks Touchscreen Functionality.
- Absence of Preloaded Maps.
- Fixed Memory Capacity.
- No Option for Map Addition.
FAQs on Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fish Finder
Conclusion
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a compact, robust fish finder with advanced sonar capabilities. It features a 7-inch display, accurate GPS navigation, and the ability to create custom maps with Garmin Quickdraw Contours. Despite lacking preloaded maps and external map addition, it offers low power consumption and features waypoint marking and adjustable fishfinder sensitivity. However, it lacks a touchscreen and memory expansion. Overall, it offers a blend of technology and practicality for an enhanced fishing experience.
