Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Review — Vibrant Color, Clear Sonar & Easy Navigation in One 7-Inch Package
Thomas If you’re searching for a high-performing, easy-to-use fishfinder that doesn’t overcomplicate things, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv might just be your perfect match. With a brilliant 7-inch display, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes, built-in GPS, and the trusted GT20-TM transducer, this unit delivers everything most anglers need for both structure scanning and fish targeting — all at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a beginner upgrading from basic sonar, the Striker Vivid 7cv offers a sweet spot of performance, usability, and visual clarity.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
- Easy-to-use 7” color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure; t…
- Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
- High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
🎯 Why I Chose the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
I needed a reliable sonar and GPS combo unit that could help me locate underwater structure quickly — without needing a degree in marine electronics to use it.
Here’s what attracted me to the Striker Vivid 7cv:
- 7-inch vivid color screen with customizable sonar palettes
- CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar
- Easy waypoint marking with built-in GPS
- Comes with GT20-TM transducer included
- Quickdraw Contours mapping — no subscription needed
- Lightweight and rugged build for both kayak and boat setups
The result? A feature-rich fish finder that makes underwater details pop like never before.
📦 What’s in the Box?
You get everything you need to get started, including:
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv fishfinder unit
- GT20-TM Transducer
- Power/data cable
- Tilt/swivel mount and hardware
- Documentation and mounting instructions
Setup is straightforward and takes under an hour with basic tools. The interface is intuitive, and Garmin’s signature software design keeps it beginner-friendly while still satisfying experienced anglers.
🌈 Vivid Color Palettes — A Game Changer
The standout feature here is right in the name: Vivid.
The Striker Vivid 7cv offers 7 different high-contrast color palettes that bring sonar readings to life. You can quickly distinguish between fish, structure, and the bottom — even in murky water or when dealing with glare from the sun.
The ClearVü sonar in particular benefits from this enhancement. Structures like submerged logs, rocks, or brush piles appear with photographic clarity, and the colors let you quickly interpret depth and density.
🧪 Performance on the Water
🎣 CHIRP Sonar: Precise Target Separation
The Garmin CHIRP sonar provides clear arches, making it easy to identify individual fish, bait schools, and bottom transitions. It’s a big leap above traditional sonar.
🔍 ClearVü Scanning Sonar: See What’s Really There
The down-scanning sonar delivers impressive detail of what’s directly under your boat — perfect for identifying fish-holding structure.
I tested the unit in both shallow freshwater lakes and deeper river channels, and it performed consistently, even while cruising at 15–20 mph.
🧭 Built-in GPS with Quickdraw Contours
- Mark waypoints
- Track routes
- Return to productive fishing spots
- Create custom maps of your favorite lakes — up to 2 million acres of 1’ contour data
And you don’t need a subscription or Wi-Fi — just plug and play.
📊 Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv | Humminbird Helix 7 G4 DI | Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 7 inches | 7 inches | 7 inches |
| Sonar Types | CHIRP + ClearVü | CHIRP + Down Imaging | CHIRP + DownScan |
| Vivid Color Palettes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| GPS with Waypoint Mapping | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Contour Mapping | ✅ Quickdraw Contours | ✅ AutoChart Live (paid) | ❌ No |
| Touchscreen | ❌ No (button only) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Transducer Included | ✅ GT20-TM | ✅ Standard DI transducer | ✅ SplitShot transducer |
| Best For | Vibrant imaging & ease-of-use | Structure-focused fishing | Budget sonar with GPS |
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Bright, high-resolution 7” screen
- ✔️ Vivid color palettes enhance sonar readability
- ✔️ CHIRP + ClearVü sonar for detailed imaging
- ✔️ Quickdraw Contours = free custom maps
- ✔️ Simple interface, great for beginners & pros
- ✔️ Includes GT20-TM transducer
❌ Cons
- ❌ No SideVu (only down-scanning)
- ❌ No microSD slot or preloaded maps
- ❌ No networking or touchscreen features
❓ (FAQs)For Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
Does the Striker Vivid 7cv come with a transducer?
Yes. It includes the GT20-TM transducer, which supports both CHIRP and ClearVü.
Can I add maps or use a memory card?
No. The unit does not support external maps or SD cards. However, you can use Quickdraw Contours to create your own maps.
Does it work well in saltwater?
Yes! While it’s optimized for freshwater, many users report solid performance in shallow saltwater bays and estuaries.
Is it good for kayak fishing?
Absolutely. The compact size, ease of use, and transducer compatibility make it perfect for kayaks and small boats.
🧭 Who Is This Fishfinder Best For?
This unit is ideal for:
- 🧓 Recreational fishermen wanting a no-fuss GPS + sonar combo
- 🎣 Kayak and bass boat anglers who value visibility and structure scanning
- 🧑🔧 DIY users who enjoy mapping their own lakes with Quickdraw
- 🐟 Freshwater anglers needing reliable fish targeting
Whether you’re scanning weed lines, mapping underwater humps, or marking crappie piles — this unit gives you the tools to fish smarter.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
💬 Final Verdict — Is the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Worth It?
Absolutely.
For under $500 (at time of writing), you’re getting a 7-inch Garmin sonar unit with vibrant imaging, accurate GPS, and a solid transducer — all in a rugged, compact design.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv makes sonar scanning easier to interpret, more fun to use, and far more informative. You’ll find more fish, locate better structure, and create your own detailed contour maps — all without monthly fees or steep learning curves.
🔗 Check It Out
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👉 Compare with Other Garmin Fishfinders
