Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv 5″ GPS Fishfinder – Best & Worst Insights
Introduction
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv 5″ Fishfinder GPS Track Plotter with GT20 is a revolutionary device designed for boat owners, anglers, and marine enthusiasts who demand precision navigation and advanced fishfinding capabilities. This powerful unit combines high-resolution CHIRP sonar, ClearVü scanning technology, and an integrated GPS to deliver unmatched underwater clarity and accurate positioning. Whether you’re exploring coastal waters or fishing in freshwater lakes, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv ensures you have the upper hand in locating fish and navigating safely.
Equipped with a 5-inch sunlight-readable display, vivid color palettes, and quick GPS tracking, this fishfinder and plotter combination enhances your fishing experience like never before. In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover its features, usage tips, maintenance guidelines, expert advice, FAQs, and an exclusive special offer.
Overview / What Is Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv?
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is a combination fishfinder and GPS chart plotter that provides anglers with a competitive edge. Unlike traditional fishfinders, it uses CHIRP sonar technology to send multiple frequencies, offering sharper images and better target separation. The ClearVü scanning sonar reveals structures, submerged objects, and fish with near-photographic clarity. Its built-in GPS not only marks waypoints but also allows you to create custom routes and monitor your speed.
This device is engineered to be user-friendly, durable, and reliable, making it ideal for both professional fishermen and recreational boaters. With the included GT20 transducer, the unit supports both CHIRP and ClearVü scanning for optimal performance in various water conditions.
Key Features of Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
- 5-inch High-Resolution Display: Sunlight-readable and easy to use, even in harsh conditions.
- CHIRP and ClearVü Sonar: Delivers superior underwater imaging and fish separation.
- Integrated GPS: Marks waypoints, tracks your route, and calculates speed.
- Quickdraw Contours: Create your own fishing maps with 1-foot contour lines.
- Vivid Color Palettes: Enhance sonar image visibility with multiple color options.
How to Install Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
Installing the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is straightforward. The unit comes with a mounting kit, transducer, and power cables. Follow these steps:
- Choose a mounting location for the display where it’s visible and protected from excessive water exposure.
- Install the GT20 transducer on the transom, ensuring it’s parallel to the waterline for accurate readings.
- Run the power cable to a 12V DC power source on your boat.
- Connect all cables securely and power on the device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts for initial setup and calibration.
For detailed installation, refer to Garmin’s manual or seek professional assistance to avoid errors.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv excels in various environments, from shallow freshwater lakes to deep offshore waters. Anglers report exceptional clarity and detail with its ClearVü sonar, making it easier to identify fish-holding structures. The GPS track plotter ensures safe navigation, especially in unfamiliar waters, and the Quickdraw feature allows users to generate custom contour maps for improved fishing results.
Its rugged build withstands marine conditions, while the vivid display remains readable under bright sunlight, which is crucial for day-long fishing trips.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv ensures long-term performance. Follow these maintenance practices:
- Rinse the unit with fresh water after exposure to saltwater to prevent corrosion.
- Store the fishfinder in a dry, cool place when not in use.
- Update the firmware regularly to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
- Inspect cables and connections for wear and tear periodically.
Expert Advice and Pro Recommendations
Marine experts recommend pairing the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv with high-quality mounts and power sources to maximize its performance. Using waypoint marking extensively can help create reliable fishing maps for future trips. Professionals also suggest adjusting sonar sensitivity depending on water conditions for optimal imaging.
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Comparing Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv with Other Fishfinders
When compared to competitors like Humminbird Helix 5 or Lowrance Hook Reveal, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv stands out for its affordability, user-friendly interface, and superior sonar imaging. While others may offer chart compatibility, Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours gives anglers the freedom to create detailed fishing maps without additional costs.
This balance of features, performance, and value makes it one of the best choices in its class.
Integration with Other Marine Electronics
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv integrates seamlessly with other marine electronics, enhancing your boating experience. While it doesn’t support chart plotting like high-end units, its GPS functionality works well alongside external navigation systems. For boaters with Yamaha engines, consider upgrading to compatible systems available at Yamaha Outboards for enhanced connectivity.
Detailed FAQ Section
1. How do I update the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv software?
Updating your Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv software ensures it runs efficiently with the latest features. To update, download the Garmin Express app on your computer. Connect the device via USB, and the software will automatically detect updates. Follow on-screen prompts to install. Always ensure your device has sufficient battery or is connected to a power source during updates. Keeping your unit updated improves performance, fixes bugs, and enhances sonar imaging. Updates also add new color palettes and mapping functionalities, ensuring your fishfinder stays ahead in technology. Experts recommend checking for updates every few months to maintain optimal operation.
2. Can I use the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv in saltwater?
Yes, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is suitable for saltwater use. However, it’s crucial to rinse the device and transducer with fresh water after each use to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. Saltwater fishing exposes electronics to harsher conditions, so regular maintenance is essential. Use anti-corrosion sprays on connectors and store the unit in a protective case when not in use. Additionally, adjusting sonar settings for saltwater improves image clarity. Many saltwater anglers praise its ClearVü sonar for detecting baitfish and structures in offshore environments. Thus, with proper care, it performs exceptionally well in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
3. Does Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv support charts and maps?
No, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv does not support downloadable charts like some high-end chartplotters. Instead, it features built-in GPS that allows waypoint marking, route creation, and track logging. The Quickdraw Contours feature enables users to create their own detailed maps with 1-foot contour intervals, which is beneficial for anglers mapping unknown waters. While it lacks preloaded maps, its custom mapping capability compensates for this limitation, especially for users who frequently fish in specific areas. For more advanced mapping needs, consider pairing it with other Garmin chartplotters or upgrading to a unit that supports BlueChart maps.
4. How accurate is the GPS on Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv?
The GPS on the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is highly accurate for recreational boating and fishing. It updates quickly, allowing precise waypoint marking and route tracking. The device maintains accuracy even in challenging conditions, helping anglers return to productive fishing spots with ease. Although it’s not as advanced as professional-grade GPS systems, it’s more than sufficient for most fishing applications. Its speed calculation feature also helps monitor trolling speeds, improving bait presentation. Users report that the GPS performs reliably in both inland lakes and offshore environments, making it a valuable tool for navigation and fishing.
5. What is included in the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv package?
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv package includes the fishfinder unit, GT20 transducer, power/data cable, tilt/swivel mount, hardware, and user manuals. The GT20 transducer supports both CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar, ensuring you get the best underwater imaging. Some packages may also include a protective cover or additional mounting accessories. Before purchasing, check the product description to confirm what’s included. Installing the unit with the provided components is straightforward, but additional accessories like flush mounts may be purchased separately for customized installations. Overall, the included components are sufficient for immediate setup and use.
Conclusion
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv 5″ Fishfinder GPS Track Plotter with GT20 is an excellent choice for anglers seeking reliable sonar performance, GPS functionality, and ease of use. While it lacks advanced chart compatibility, its Quickdraw mapping, vivid display, and affordability make it a standout product in its class. With proper maintenance and correct settings, this unit can significantly enhance your fishing success and navigation safety.
Special Offer
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