Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV WW Fishfinder Review

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV WW Fishfinder with GT20-TM Transducer is an impressive, feature-packed fishfinder that offers excellent value for both amateur and experienced anglers. With a 7-inch color display, advanced sonar technology, and a powerful transducer, this fishfinder is designed to help users locate fish and underwater structures with ease. Whether you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater, the Striker Vivid 7CV provides the tools necessary for a successful outing.

Key Features:

1. 7-Inch Vivid Display: The 7-inch color display is one of the standout features of the Striker Vivid 7CV. It provides vibrant, easy-to-read visuals that help you identify fish, underwater structures, and bottom contours with clarity. The Vivid display technology brings colors to life, allowing for better contrast and more detailed images of the underwater environment. Whether you’re fishing in bright sunlight or low-light conditions, the display is designed for optimal visibility in various lighting situations.

2. CHIRP Sonar Technology: The Striker Vivid 7CV features CHIRP sonar technology, which delivers a higher level of detail and clarity compared to traditional sonar. With CHIRP, the fishfinder sends out a continuous range of frequencies rather than a single frequency, resulting in clearer, more precise images of fish and structures below the water. This makes it easier to differentiate between different types of fish and identify underwater features like drop-offs, ledges, and schools of baitfish.

3. GT20-TM Transducer: The GT20-TM transducer included with the Striker Vivid 7CV provides excellent fish-finding capabilities. It combines traditional 2D sonar with Garmin's ClearVü scanning sonar, which gives you a more detailed view of what’s beneath your boat. The transducer offers high-definition images of underwater structures, making it easier to locate fish hiding in vegetation or structures like rocks, fallen trees, or wrecks. Its transom mount makes for a quick and easy installation.

4. ClearVü Scanning Sonar: ClearVü sonar is another highlight of the Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV. This technology provides a detailed, near-photo-like view of what is below the water’s surface. Unlike traditional sonar, which provides a more basic representation, ClearVü scans the water column and shows highly detailed images of fish and submerged objects. This feature makes it incredibly effective for targeting fish and avoiding obstacles, making your fishing experience more efficient and productive.

5. Built-In GPS: The built-in GPS feature is an added convenience for anglers who need navigation assistance. With the Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV, you can mark waypoints, create routes, and easily navigate back to productive fishing spots. The ability to store and manage your favorite fishing locations is a great feature, especially for anglers who frequent the same areas or want to track specific fishing hotspots.

6. Waypoint Marking and Track Logging: With the ability to mark waypoints and track logs, the Striker Vivid 7CV lets you save locations of fish catches, underwater structures, or areas where you want to return to later. The GPS feature allows you to mark key spots and easily return to them during future outings, making this a helpful tool for both experienced and novice anglers.

7. Simple User Interface: Garmin's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate through the Striker Vivid 7CV’s features. The menus are intuitive, and the display is responsive, allowing for quick adjustments to settings such as sonar modes, display colors, and depth ranges. Even anglers with limited fishfinder experience will find the system easy to operate, minimizing the learning curve.

8. Waterproof and Durable Design: Built to withstand the elements, the Striker Vivid 7CV is waterproof and designed to be durable in a variety of marine environments. Whether you’re fishing in saltwater or freshwater, the fishfinder’s robust construction ensures reliable performance under tough conditions.

Pros:

• Vibrant 7-inch color display for easy viewing, even in bright sunlight.
• CHIRP sonar technology provides clearer, more detailed fish and structure images.
• GT20-TM transducer includes both 2D sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar for a comprehensive view of the water below.
• Built-in GPS for waypoint marking, navigation, and route creation.
• ClearVü sonar gives high-definition images of underwater structures and fish.
• Waypoint and track logging features allow you to save fishing locations and easily return to them.
• User-friendly interface with easy-to-navigate menus and settings.
• Durable, waterproof design suitable for both saltwater and freshwater use.

Cons:

• No mapping capabilities: While the built-in GPS allows for waypoint marking and navigation, this unit does not offer full chartplotting or detailed mapping features. For advanced mapping, you would need to pair it with compatible charts or upgrade to a higher-end Garmin unit.
• Limited to 2D sonar and ClearVü: The Striker Vivid 7CV does not include side-scan sonar, which some anglers may prefer for a more expansive view of their surroundings. However, the ClearVü sonar is still a highly effective alternative for many users.
• Smaller screen size for advanced users: While the 7-inch screen is large enough for most, users who prefer a larger display for more detailed views may find it somewhat limiting.

Final Thoughts:

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV WW Fishfinder with GT20-TM Transducer is an outstanding option for anglers who want a reliable, easy-to-use fishfinder that offers detailed sonar imagery, solid GPS functionality, and a vibrant display. Whether you're a novice or an experienced angler, the combination of CHIRP sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar, and the GT20-TM transducer makes this fishfinder a powerful tool for finding fish and exploring underwater structures.

While it may not have the advanced mapping features found in some higher-end Garmin models, it offers excellent value for the price, especially if you’re primarily focused on fish finding and waypoint marking. The Striker Vivid 7CV’s ease of use, durability, and feature set make it a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their fishing experience. Whether you're fishing from a kayak, boat, or other watercraft, this fishfinder will help you take your fishing game to the next level.