Garmin makes some of the best fishfinders on the market, they are a brand you can trust as far as finding and catching a fish is concerned. In this regard, the Garmin Striker Plus series consists of decent fishfinders that can help you see and catch fish. The Striker Plus is a lower-end version of Striker Vivid. The only difference between these two is that the Vivid gives you more color options to customize the display color by choosing from seven vivid colors. Nevertheless, the Striker Plus series have very bright displays that are readable even under direct sunlight. This Striker Plus review will work you through everything you need to know about these fishfinders so that you can make a more informed decision.
Garmin Striker Plus – What is it?
Garmin Striker Plus is a FishFinder that is well designed to help you catch fish. These units have a compact design that is easy to install and also come with an inbuilt GPS that shows your boat speed and allows you to create waypoints and routes. They also have Garmin’s quickdraw contours mapping that allows you to map where you fish. Each unit in the series comes with a transducer ranging from a low dual-beam transducer to high-end Clearvu and Sidevu sonars.
The Striker Plus models include the following units.
The actual transducer that comes with any of these models depends on the model purchased. The Striker Plus 7sv and 9sv have the most features. These two feature CHIRP in both the traditional sonar as well as CHIRP in Clearvu and Sidevu sonars that can show you very clear images of objects directly under your boat and to the sides of your boat respectively.
The 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv also have WiFi that supports the ActiveCaptain app which allows you to transfer maps created on any of these units as well as allows you to download and use maps created by other users in the Garmin community.
Garmin Striker Plus Fishfinder Features – The Different Models and Features
Every model in the Striker Plus series comes with lots of features. Although, some models have more features than others. Nevertheless, let’s discuss the general features that you will get with each model in the Striker Plus series.
Design and Display
Each model in the Striker Plus series has a durable build that is easy to install and use once you follow the instructions. Each of the models is rated IPX7, which means each of these can survive water splash and light rainfall. In other words, it’s advised you don’t get too confident allowing any of these units to come in contact with water as these can cause a problem. Nevertheless, any of the models should survive rainfall and splashes of water.
The Striker Plus 4 is the cheapest model in the series. It is very compact and lightweight, has an inbuilt GPS and contour mapping, but lacks CHIRP.
Going by the display sizes, the Striker Plus 4 and 4cv have the smallest display sizes of 4.3 inches. These two are also the most compact. They are best recommended for kayak owners. The 5cv has a 5 inches display, while the 7sv, 7cv, and 9sv have 7 inches and 9 inches wide displays respectively. The display of each of these models is very easy to read even under sunlight and that’s something I really cherish.
The Striker Plus 4cv is next after the Striker Plus 4. It is also very compact and features CHIRP in Clearvu. It has a built-in GPS and features contours mapping.
Accessing any of the models is through the physical buttons on the device. You can customize what you see on the screen. There are also options that allow you to view combinations of display modes. That’s to say that, you can have Sidevu mode, Clearvu mode, and perhaps Quickdraw Contours showing all at the same time on the screen. This is a great way to get a clearer picture of what’s going on under your boat.
Transducer Types and Mounting Options
As mentioned earlier, the transducer you get with any of these models depends on the unit purchased. The supported frequencies with Striker Plus 4 include 50/77/83/200 kHz. The 200kHz has a smaller beamscope and lower penetrating power, but higher resolution and clarity that lets you see images clearer, while the other lower frequencies have wider beamscope and greater penetrating power, but lesser resolution. The Striker Plus 4 lacks CHIRP in the traditional sonar.
Furthermore from the Striker Plus 4, the 4cv, 5cv and 7cv come with GT20-TM transducer which combines a traditional and Clearvu sonar. While the traditional sonar can show you clear 2D images of objects underwater, the Clearvu CHIRP sonar will show you very clear images of objects passing under your boat. The supported frequencies with the traditional sonar are 50/77/200 kHz, while the available frequencies with the Clearvu sonar are 260/455/800 kHz. The 260/455kHz will allow you to see near-photographic images of objects up to 1000ft, while the 80kHz offers the best image quality but lower penetrating power.
The Striker Plus 7cv has a 7″ bright and easy to read display. It comes with the same GT20-TM transducer just like 4cv and 5cv that combines a traditional and CHIRP Clearvu sonar. It also features a built-in GPS, contours mapping and has WiFi that supports the ActiveCaptain app.
The 7sv and 9sv come with the GT52HW-TM transducer which combines a traditional CHIRP sonar, Clearvu, and Sidevu CHIRP sonars. The traditional CHIRP sonar will allow you to see clear 2D images of objects including fishes under your boat. The Clearvu sonar will show you clear images of objects under your boat, while the Sidevu sonar will show you very clear images of objects on both sides of your boat. 260/455/800 kHz are the supported frequencies for Clearvu and Sidevu, while 150/240kHz are the supported frequencies for the CHIRP traditional sonar.
The transducer that comes with any of these models can be mounted by applying the trolling motor or transom mounting options.
Inbuilt GPS – Each Model has Inbuilt GPS
Each model in the Striker Plus series has an inbuilt GPS. This allows you to create waypoints of where you’re fishing. It also allows you to create routes for your fishing journey. So basically, you can use created waypoints to mark your favorite fishing spots, thus allowing you to easily know the best place to fish. You can also mark docks, boat ramps, and other locations in your fishing environment.
The inbuilt GPS also allows each model in the Striker Plus series to show the speed of your boat on the fishfinder’s screen. This can help you plan your journey as well as help you know how long it will take to cover a distance.
Garmin Quickdraw Contours – Map your fishing routes
Garmin quickdraw contours mapping is another fine feature that you will get with each model in the Striker Plus series. This feature will allow your fishfinder to automatically create a map of places you have been on the water. Every model in the series can store up to 2 million acres of created 1° contours map.
The Striker Plus 7sv comes with a GT52HW-TM transducer that combines traditional, Clearvu and Sidevu sonars. This fishfinder offers CHIRP in all three sonars that allow you to see fish clearer. It also has a built-in GPS, contours mapping, and WiFi that supports the ActiveCaptain app.
However, only the 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv are equipped with WiFi that allows for the transfer or download of maps via the ActiveCaptain app.
ActiveCaptain App – This allows you to transfer and download maps and recieve notifications
The Striker Plus 9sv is the highest model in the Striker Plus series. It has the biggest display size and comes with the same GT52HW-TM transducer as the 7sv. It also has an inbuilt GPS, mapping software, and wifi that supports the ActiveCaptain app.
Garmin Striker Plus 4 Vs. 4cv Vs. 5cv Vs. 7cv – The differences (Base models – offer CHIRP only in Clearvu unless you upgrade)
| Striker 4 | Striker Plus 4 | Striker Plus 4cv | Striker Plus 5cv | Striker Plus 7cv | |
| Price | |||||
| Sonar Mount Option | Tilt/swivel mount | Tilt/swivel mount | Tilt/swivel mount | Tilt/swivel mount | Tilt/swivel mount |
| Dimension | 3.6 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches | 3.9 x 6.9 x 1.8 inches | 3.9 x 6.9 x 1.8 inches | 7.4 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches | 9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches |
| Weight | 0.5lbs | 0.7lbs | 0.7lbs | 1lbs | 1.7lbs |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Display Size | 3.5 inches | 4.3 inches | 4.3 inches | 5 inches | 7 inches |
| Display Type | HVGA | QSVGA | QSVGA | WVGA | WVGA |
| Display Resolution | 480 x 320 pixels | 272 X 480 pixels | 272 X 480 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Transducer Model | Garmin dual-beam transducer | Garmin dual-beam transducer | GT20-TM transducer | GT20-TM transducer | GT20-TM transducer |
| Transducer Mount Style | Transom mount Trolling motor mount | Transom mount Trolling motor mount | Transom mount Trolling motor mount | Transom mount Trolling motor mount | Transom mount Trolling motor mount |
| Traditional Sonar | 77/200kHz | 77/200kHz | Dual Frequency | 50/77/200kHz | 50/77/200kHz |
| CHIRP Sonar | No | No | 260/455/800 kHz | 260/455/800 kHz | 260/455/800 kHz |
| Max. Depth | |||||
| Preloaded Map | No | No | No | No | No |
| Memory Card Slot | No | No | No | No | No |
| Inbuilt GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| NMEA Networking | No | No | No | No | No |
Garmin Striker Plus 7sv Vs. 9sv – The differences (Higher-end models – Offer CHIRP in all sonars)
| Striker Plus 7sv | Striker Plus 9sv | |
| Price | ||
| Sonar Mount Option | Tilt/swivel mount | Tilt/swivel mount |
| Dimension | 9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches | 11.1 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.7lbs | 2.4lbs |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Display Size | 7 inches | 9 inches |
| Display Type | WVGA | WVGA |
| Display Resolution | 800 x 480 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Transducer Model | GT52HW-TM transducer | GT52HW-TM transducer |
| Transducer Mount Style | Transom mount Trolling motor mount | Transom mount Trolling motor mount |
| Traditional Sonar | 150-240 kHz (CHIRP) | 150-240 kHz (CHIRP) |
| CHIRP Sonar | 260/455/800 kHz | 260/455/800 kHz |
| Max. Depth | ||
| Preloaded Map | No | No |
| Memory Card Slot | No | No |
| Inbuilt GPS | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| NMEA Networking | No | No |
The difference between the respective models of the Striker Plus series comes in the display sizes, transducer types, WiFi, and support for the ActiveCaptain map. In this regard, only 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv are equipped with WiFi that allows for pairing with the ActiveCaptain app.
Furthermore, only 7sv and 9sv feature Sidevu CHIRP sonar that will allow you to see clear images of objects to both sides of your boat. These two also feature CHIRP in the traditional sonar mode that will show you clearer images of objects within the beamscope of the transducer.
On the other hand, 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv come with the GT20-TM transducer that combines traditional and Clearvu CHIRP sonar.
The Striker Plus 4 comes with a dual-beam transducer – a traditional sonar that can show you images of objects under your boat.
Which Should You Buy?
No doubt, each of the models in the Striker Plus series is a decent fishfinder that can help you find and catch more fish. All the units in this series are best recommended for shallow water fishing considering that the highest ping power is 500W for the 5cv up to 9sv. The Striker Plus series are not suitable for deepwater/saltwater fishing.
The 7sv and 9sv give you more control with CHIRP in all three sonar modes. Each of these two has a 500W transmission power. As a result, any of these models depending on the size you choose will make a great choice for mid-range boat size and kayak angulars fishing in a shallow water environment.
On the flip side, the 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv are also great options to choose from considering that each of these has inbuilt GPS that allows you to create waypoints and routes as well as a combination of traditional and Clearvu CHIRP sonar. These models just like the 7sv and 9sv are best for finding fish in shallow waters like coastal and lake.
The Striker Plus 4 and 4cv are the most compact models. These two have the smallest transmission power of 200W and 300W respectively. As a result, these are best for kayak owners looking for a compact fishfinder that can help you find and catch fish. They are also the cheapest, so if you are low on budget, these models will make a great choice.
All models of the Striker Plus series are easy to install and use. You should also note that you need a 12V battery or battery pack to power any of these devices. You might also need to get mounting brackets in other to mount the fishfinder on your kayak or boat. Also, note that these fishfinders are not fully waterproof. As a result, not recommended for deepwater environments where it might get splashed or deep into the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each of the models in the Striker Plus series is a great fishfinder that can help you find and catch fish. It’s worthy to note that all the models are easy to install going by the instructions. The displays are also easy to read no doubt. In final words, the Striker Plus is a fantastic fishfinder. If you want more color options for the display, you can check out the Striker Vivid series.