Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv Review & Guide

The product recommendations on our website are selected by our editorial team based on independent research. If you make a purchase through the links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Learn more

---

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a standout in the world of fish finders, offering an impressive range of features that cater to both amateur and seasoned anglers. This model combines advanced sonar capabilities with intuitive navigation tools, all packed into a user-friendly device.

With its vibrant 7-inch display and various color palettes, the Striker Vivid 7sv ensures that you can easily distinguish fish and structures, even in challenging water conditions.

Read more: The Best Fish Finders for 2024

Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 | Price: $517.99

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv Review!

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv features

 Colorful Dislpay

The Striker Vivid 7sv offers 7 vivid color palettes, allowing you to customize the display for optimal viewing in any light conditions. These color options enhance contrast and detail, making it easier to distinguish between fish, structures, and the lakebed. This flexibility lets you choose the color scheme that provides the clearest view for your specific fishing environment, ensuring you don’t miss any underwater details.

Built-In Sonar

Equipped with the GT52 transducer, the Striker Vivid 7sv combines Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar with CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars (requires compatible transducer). CHIRP sonar provides sharp, detailed images with superior target separation, while ClearVü offers a near-photographic view of what’s below your boat.

SideVü extends the coverage, giving you a wide-angle view of what’s on both sides. This combination provides a comprehensive picture of the underwater world, allowing you to track fish and identify structures with precision.

Waypoint Marking

With waypoint marking, you can save your favorite fishing spots directly on your fishfinder. By marking specific locations, you can return to productive areas with ease. This feature is especially helpful when you find a hot spot where fish are biting or a particular structure where fish are likely to gather. Over time, you can build a detailed map of prime fishing spots, helping you maximize your catches.

Sensitive Gps

The built-in high-sensitivity GPS lets you plan routes, mark waypoints, and monitor your boat’s speed. Unlike some fish finders that require additional GPS modules, the Striker Vivid 7sv includes this functionality, making it easier to navigate back to key locations or plot new routes. You can also see your boat’s speed directly on the display, which is useful for trolling and ensuring you maintain the right speed for specific fishing techniques.

Wi-Fi

With Wi-Fi connectivity, the Striker Vivid 7sv connects to the ActiveCaptain app, giving you access to additional features and community resources. You can transfer waypoints between your fishfinder and mobile device, receive smart notifications on your screen, and access software updates. The app also connects you to the Garmin Quickdraw Community, where you can share and download maps, making it easy to explore new areas or share insights with fellow anglers.

Hardware

The Striker Vivid 7sv comes with everything you need for setup and installation, including mounting hardware, a tilt/swivel mount, power/data cables, and a transducer mount. This ensures a straightforward installation process, so you can get your fishfinder up and running quickly. All components are designed for durability, providing a secure fit and long-lasting performance even in challenging marine conditions.

REASONS TO BUY

• High-resolution, customizable color display with multiple palettes.
• CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar provide detailed and comprehensive underwater images.
• Built-in GPS for waypoint marking, route creation, and speed tracking.
• Quickdraw Contours for personalized, real-time mapping.
• Durable and user-friendly, suitable for various fishing conditions.

REASONS TO AVOID

• No networking capabilities, meaning it can’t share data with other units or access advanced features like Wi-Fi or app connectivity.
• Lack of preloaded maps, so charting is limited to self-created maps via Quickdraw Contours.
• Does not support NMEA 2000, which limits integration with other marine electronics.

FAQs for Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

1. Does the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv come with maps?

No, the Striker Vivid 7sv does not come with preloaded maps. However, it features Quickdraw Contours, which allows you to create custom maps with 1-foot contours as you fish.

2. What is the difference between ClearVü and SideVü sonar?

ClearVü sonar provides a detailed view directly below the boat, allowing you to see structures and fish beneath you. SideVü sonar, on the other hand, scans to the sides of your boat, giving you a wide view of what’s on both sides. This is useful for identifying structures and fish over a larger area.

3. Can I use the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv in saltwater?

Yes, the Striker Vivid 7sv is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. The transducer is designed to perform well in both conditions, though maximum depth ranges can vary between freshwater and saltwater.

4. Does the Striker Vivid 7sv have networking capabilities?

No, the Striker Vivid 7sv does not support networking with other devices. It does not have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NMEA 2000 connectivity, so it cannot share data with other units or connect to other marine electronics.

5. Is the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv waterproof?

Yes, the unit has an IPX7 water rating, meaning it is waterproof and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

6. What transducer comes with the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv?

The Striker Vivid 7sv typically comes with the GT52HW-TM transducer, which supports CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar. This transducer provides a high level of detail and versatility for various fishing conditions.

7. Can I mark waypoints and save routes with the Striker Vivid 7sv?

Yes, the unit includes a built-in GPS receiver that allows you to mark up to 5,000 waypoints, save routes, and track your path, making it easy to navigate back to your favorite fishing spots.

8. Does the Striker Vivid 7sv have a touchscreen?

No, the Striker Vivid 7sv operates with a keypad interface, which is intuitive and easy to use, even in wet conditions.

9. How far can the SideVü sonar see?

The SideVü sonar can scan up to 500 feet on either side of your boat, providing a wide and detailed view of the underwater environment around you.

10. What kind of power supply does the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv require?

The Striker Vivid 7sv requires a 12V DC power supply, commonly found in standard boat batteries.

Final Thoughts

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is an excellent choice for anglers who want advanced sonar technology without the complexity of networking or preloaded maps. Its customizable display, powerful sonar capabilities, and built-in GPS make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their fishing experience. While it may lack some high-end features, the Striker Vivid 7sv delivers exceptional value, making it a reliable companion for fishing enthusiasts looking for clear visuals and intuitive navigation in a solid, affordable package.