Garmin Striker Plus vs Striker Vivid – What’s the Difference?

If you are looking for a fishfinder that can help you find fish in coastal waters and lakes, the Garmin Striker Vivid and Striker Plus series offers a decent deal of options to choose from. Although Striker Plus has been discontinued, it’s still relatively available on the market, and it shares a lot of similarities with the Vivid series. This is why the comparison between the Plus and Vivid series is a regular occurrence amongst fishing enthusiasts. In this guide, we take a detailed look at the differences between the Striker Plus vs Striker Vivid series to help you understand the differences between these two.

The Striker Plus and Striker Vivid have a lot of similarities that make it even harder to make a choice between the two series.

The models in the Striker Plus Series are Striker Plus 4, 4cv, 5cv, 7cv, 7sv and 9sv, while the models in the Striker Vivid Series are 4cv, 5cv, 7cv, 7sv, and 9sv.

Garmin Striker Plus vs Striker Vivid – The Difference

There is no significant difference between the Striker Plus and the Striker Vivid series. To the best of my knowledge, the only difference between the two series is the addition of new color palettes to the Vivid series. These color palettes include lava, rusted steel, Caribbean, floodlight, ice blue, aqua, and moss colors. And that’s to say that you get more color options to choose from with the Vivid series. This describes why the Vivid series is priced slightly higher than the Striker Plus series. From what I found out, the Striker Plus series which was released in 2017 is discontinued and replaced with the newer Striker Vivid series which was released in October 2020.

Striker Plus and Striker Vivid Series – Common Features

Before we look at the differences between the respective models in both series, let’s take a look at the common features you get with any of the series.

• Design and Display

Both Striker Plus and Striker Vivid series have the same design as well as the same screen sizes and build. Starting with the 4 inches model to the 9 inches model, the display sizes are the same for both Striker Plus and Vivid. Navigation on both series is via physical buttons, and each of the models in both series has a waterproof rating of IPX7 which means that all the models are waterproof up to 1 meter underwater. This also indicates that all the models are not fully waterproof, so you have to be careful with water contacts. This is also why none of the models in both the Striker Plus and Vivid series is recommended for deepwater or saltwater fishing.

The Striker Plus 4 and 4cv and Striker Vivid 4cv all have display sizes of 4 inches. On the same note, Striker Plus 5cv and Striker Vivid 5cv have 5 inches display sizes. Striker Plus 7cv/7sv and Striker Vivid 7cv/7sv all have 7 inches display sizes, while Striker Plus 9sv and Striker Vivid 9sv both have the largest display sizes of 9 inches.

• Transducer Type and Available Frequencies – It’s same transducer for both Plus and Vivid Series

Striker Plus 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv and Striker Vivid 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv come with same GT20-TM transducer

The sonars available on both Striker Plus and Vivid series are also the same. The available frequencies and transmission power of the respective fishfinders in both series are also the same. The Striker Plus 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv all come with the GT20-TM transducer. In the same vein, the Striker Vivid 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv all come with the same GT20-TM transducer.

The GT20-TM transducer combines traditional and Clearvu sonar. It’s an 8-pin transducer that delivers up to 500W of ping power in both traditional and Clearvu sonar mode. It has a maximum depth of 1900ft for the traditional sonar mode and 750ft for the Clearvu sonar. While the traditional sonar allows you to see objects under your boat, the Clearvu sonar offers CHIRP that shows very clear images of objects passing under your boat. The GT20-TM transducer supports both transom and trolling motor mounting styles.

The available frequencies with the GT20-TM transducer are 77/200kHz for the traditional sonar and 455/800kHz for the Clearvu sonar. One thing you should note is that the Striker 4, 4cv, 5cv & 7cv and Striker Vivid 4cv, 5cv and 7cv lack CHIRP in the traditional sonar mode. However, you can upgrade to the GT22HW-TM or GT23M-TM transducer to get CHIRP in traditional sonar.

Striker Plus 7sv & 9sv and Striker Vivid 7sv & 9sv come with the same GT52HW-TM Transducer

The 7sv and 9sv models are the high-end fishfinders in both series. These models come with the GT52HW-TM transducer which combines traditional sonar, Clearvu, and Sidevu sonars. That’s to say that this transducer offers CHIRP on all three sonar modes. The traditional sonar will allow you to see clear images of objects underwater, while the Clearvu sonar will allow you to see very clear images of objects passing directly under your boat. And with Sidevu sonar, you can see very clear images of objects that lie on both sides of your boat.

The GT52HW-TM transducer is a 12-pin transducer that has 250W ping power for the traditional sonar and 350 ping powers for both Clearvu and Sidevu. It offers 150-240 kHz CHIRP in traditional mode and 455/800kHz CHIRP in Clearvu and Sidevu sonars.

• Inbuilt GPS – All models in both series have inbuilt GPS

Every model in the Striker Plus and Vivid series has an inbuilt GPS. This enables you to create waypoints and routes of where you fish. With inbuilt GPS in all the models, you can easily create waypoints, routes and mark your favorite spots like boat ramps, docks, high-density fishing spots, and more. This makes it easy to know where to go next time to catch the most fish. It also serves as a makeshift in the absence of a preloaded map. Beyond allowing you to create waypoints and maps, the inbuilt GPS also allows you to see your boat speed in real-time. This will make it easier for you to plan your travel on the water more efficiently. Plus help you fish more effectively.

• Quickdraw Contours Mapping – All models in both Striker Plus and Vivid Series have mapping feature

Quickdraw Contours mapping is a feature on both series that allows you to easily create a map of your fishing activities. It allows you to create a 1-ft contour map as you move your boat on the water. This can serve as a reference point for your next travel on water and also maximize time while fishing. Every model in both Striker Plus and Vivid series has this feature.

To create a map is easy, just select quickdraw contours mapping from the menu bar and the fishfinder will generate 1-ft contours on your screen. As long as the circle/path formed by the mapping software stays green you will get the best contours mapping. If the circle/path turns yellow, it means you will need to adjust your speed to get the best mapping.

• ActiveCaptain app and WIFI – Only 7cv, 7sv and 9sv models of both series support this app

ActiveCaptain app is an app from Garmin that is compatible with select models in the Striker Plus and Striker Vivid series. What this app does is allow you to easily transfer maps you created from the Quickdraw contour feature via the app. With this app, you can also download cartography shared by others in the Garmin community as well as get smartphone notifications. The ActiveCaptain app is compatible with Striker Plus 7cv, 7s and 9sv and Striker Vivid 7cv, 7sv and 9sv because only these models have WiFi.

So, as you can see respective models of the Striker Plus and Striker Vivid series have the same features except for the addition of new display color options we mentioned earlier. That’s the difference between the Striker Plus and Vivid series. Now, let’s go specific in comparing the respective models in both series.

Striker Plus vs Striker Vivid Series

Striker 4 vs Striker Plus 4 vs Striker Plus 4cv vs Striker Vivid 4cv

	Striker 4	Striker Plus 4	Striker Plus 4cv	Striker Vivid 4cv
Price	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON
Sonar Mount Option	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	3.9 x 6.9 x 1.8 inches
Weight	0.5lbs	0.7lbs	0.7lbs	0.7lbs
Waterproof Rating	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7
Display Size	3.5 inches	4.3 inches	4.3 inches	4.3 inches
Display Type	HVGA	QSVGA	QSVGA	QSVGA
Display Resolution	480 x 320 pixels	272 X 480 pixels	272 X 480 pixels	272 X 480 pixels
Transducer Model	Garmin dual-beam transducer	Garmin dual-beam 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
Traditional Sonar	77/200kHz	77/200kHz	Dual Frequency	50/77/200kHz
CHIRP Sonar	No	No	260/455/800 kHz	260/455/800 kHz
Max. Depth
Preloaded Map	No	No	No	No
Memory Card Slot	No	No	No	No
Inbuilt GPS	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
WiFi	No	No	No	No
NMEA Networking	No	No	No	No

The Striker 4 is not included in this comparison, but we’re bringing it in now to compare it with the Striker Plus 4/4cv and Striker Vivid 4cv. This is just in case you’re wondering how the Striker 4 differs from these other models.

The Striker 4 is the cheapest here, it however has the smallest display size of 3.5 inches compared to 4 inches of Striker Plus 4/4cv and Striker Vivid 4cv. The Striker 4 also lacks quickdraw contour mapping and comes with a dual-beam transducer just like the Striker Plus 4.

Meanwhile, the Striker Plus 4cv and Striker Vivid 4cv come with the GT20-TM transducer that combines traditional and Clearvu sonars. That’s to say that with Striker 4 and Striker 4 Plus you won’t get any form of CHIRP, but CHIRP is available with Striker Plus 4cv and Striker Vivid cv in the form of Clearvu sonar.

Moreover, the Striker Vivid 4cv has 7 new color palettes that give you more options to choose your preferred display color. This is why it’s priced higher than others. Beyond these slight differences, each of these fishfinders features an inbuilt GPS and is also easy to install and use.

Striker Plus 5cv vs Striker Vivid 5cv

	Striker Plus 5cv	Striker Vivid 5cv
Price	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON
Sonar Mount Option	Tilt/swivel mount	Tilt/swivel mount
Dimension	7.4 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches	7.4 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches
Weight	1lbs	1lbs
Waterproof Rating	IPX7	IPX7
Display Size	5 inches	5 inches
Display Type	WVGA	WVGA
Display Resolution	800 x 480 pixels	800 x 480 pixels
Transducer Model	GT20-TM transducer	GT20-TM transducer
Transducer Mount Style	Transom mount Trolling motor mount	Transom mount Trolling motor mount
Traditional Sonar	50/77/200kHz	50/77/200kHz
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	No	No
NMEA Networking	No	No

Again, the Plus 5cv and Vivid 5cv come with the same GT20-TM transducer as 4cv and 7cv in the two series. Like we mentioned earlier, this transducer combines both traditional and Clearvu sonar. While traditional sonar can show you images of objects including fish underwater, the Clearvu sonar can show you very clear images of fishes passing under your boat.

Both fishfinders have inbuilt GPS, quickdraw contours mapping as well as being easy to install and use. The only difference between these two is the presence of new color options on the Striker Vivid 5cv.

Striker Plus 7cv vs Striker Vivid 7cv

	Striker Plus 7cv	Striker Vivid 7cv
Price	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON
Sonar Mount Option	Tilt/swivel mount	Tilt/swivel mount
Dimension	9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches	9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches
Weight	1.7lbs	1.7lbs
Waterproof Rating	IPX7	IPX7
Display Size	7 inches	7 inches
Display Type	WVGA	WVGA
Display Resolution	800 x 480 pixels	800 x 480 pixels
Transducer Model	GT20-TM transducer	GT20-TM transducer
Transducer Mount Style	Transom mount Trolling motor mount	Transom mount Trolling motor mount
Traditional Sonar	50/77/200kHz	50/77/200kHz
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 7cv models of both series have a 7 inches wide display size and also come with the GT20-TM transducer. These two have WiFi and as a result, support the ActiveCaptain App that allows you to easily send or upload your created map to the app. You can also download maps created by other boaters from the Garmin community.

Striker Plus 7sv vs Striker Vivid 7sv

	Striker Plus 7sv	Striker Vivid 7sv
Price	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON
Sonar Mount Option	Tilt/swivel mount	Tilt/swivel mount
Dimension	9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches	9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches
Weight	1.7lbs	1.7lbs
Waterproof Rating	IPX7	IPX7
Display Size	7 inches	7 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 7sv and 7sv of both Plus and Vivid series come with a GT52HW-TM transducer that combines traditional, Clearvu, and Sidevu sonars. With these models, you are getting CHIRP in all three sonar modes. That means you get CHIRP in traditional sonar as well as CHIRP in Clearvu and Sidevu. This is unlike all the previous lower models we mentioned above which lack CHIRP in traditional sonar.

While the traditional sonar can show you fish underwater, Clearvu can show you very clear images of fish passing underwater, Sidevu can show you clear images of fishes on both sides of your boat.

The 7sv models also have WiFi and as well support the ActiveCaptain app. This will allow you to transfer user-generated maps via the app. You can also download maps created by other users through the app. As well as receive notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone.

Both models have built-in GPS and quickdraw contours mapping. The only difference of course is the presence of new color options in the Vivid Series.

Striker Plus 9sv vs Striker Vivid 9sv

	Striker Plus 9sv	Striker Vivid 9sv
Price	CHECK AMAZON	CHECK AMAZON
Sonar Mount Option	Tilt/swivel mount	Tilt/swivel mount
Dimension	11.1 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches	11.1 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches
Weight	2.4lbs	2.4lbs
Waterproof Rating	IPX7	IPX7
Display Size	9 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

Just like the 7sv models, the 9sv models of both series come with a GT52HW-TM transducer. These models also have WiFi and support the ActiveCaptain app. The 9sv models have the largest display sizes that allow you to see more at a glance.

The only difference between these two models is still the presence of new color options in the Vivid Series.

Which Should You Buy?

As you can see, there is no significant difference between the Striker Plus series and the Striker Vivid series. Both have the same appearance, design, and functions except that the Vivid Series gives you access to more colors that allow you to choose your preferred display color for any viewing mode.

The Striker Plus series is discontinued, however, if you already own any of the models, I don’t think there is any need to upgrade to the Vivid Series.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to buy a moderately priced fishfinder with great capabilities, then the Vivid Series is best recommended as these models will give you access to new color options that allow you to choose your preferred display color.

Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, 5cv, 7cv, 7sv or 9sv – Which Model is Right for You

The 4cv, 5cv, and 7cv are the lower-end models in the Vivid series. These three come with the GT20-TM transducer that combines traditional and Clearvu sonars. You will only get CHIRP for the Clearvu sonar. If you want CHIRP in the traditional sonar, then you will need to upgrade. These three all have inbuilt GPS that lets you create waypoints and routes. There’s also quickdraw contours mapping. However, only 7cv has WiFi that enables support for the ActiveCaptain app.

On the other end, 7sv and 9sv are the high-end models in the Vivid series. These two come with the GT52HW-TM transducer that offers you CHIRP in traditional sonar as well as CHIRP in Clearvu and Sidevu sonars. These two also have WiFi and support the ActiveCaptain app.

The Striker Vivid series is recommended for angular fishing in shallow water environments like ponds, lakes, and coastal waters. These models are rated IPX7 and as a result, are not fully waterproof.

Conclusion

All models are easy to install and use. They are equally well equipped with great features like GPS that can show your boat speed as well as allow you to create waypoints.