Description
🐟 The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5cv (no transducer) is Garmin's mid-tier fishfinder — proven CHIRP sonar, easy-to-read display, and bulletproof reliability at a price that won't break the bank. The STRIKER Vivid series is the best entry point into the Garmin ecosystem for anglers who want serious sonar without spending four figures.
Key Features
- ✅ Display: 5" color WVGA (800 × 480)
- ✅ Sonar: CHIRP Traditional + CHIRP ClearVu (transducer not included)
- ✅ Frequency: Trad 77/200 kHz / ClearVu 260/455/800 kHz compatible
- ✅ Transducer: NOT included — buy GT20-TM or GT22HW-TM separately
- ✅ GPS/Mapping: Built-in GPS + Quickdraw Contours
- ✅ Water type: Freshwater + Saltwater
Where This Fits in the STRIKER Series
The STRIKER Vivid series is Garmin's upgrade to the original STRIKER Plus line — same fishfinder hardware with added 7 vivid color palettes that make sonar returns pop on screen. No preloaded maps (unlike ECHOMAP) — you create your own custom maps with Quickdraw Contours.
- 4cv ($199.99) — 4.3" display, CHIRP + ClearVu, dual-beam GT20 transducer
- 5cv ($319-$449) — 5" display, CHIRP + ClearVu
- 7cv ($419-$449) — 7" display with Wi-Fi/ActiveCaptain, CHIRP + ClearVu
- 7sv ($449-$549) — 7" display, adds CHIRP SideVu via GT52HW transducer
- 9sv ($649) — 9" display, full CHIRP + ClearVu + SideVu 3-in-1
STRIKER vs. ECHOMAP — Should You Upgrade?
The big difference: STRIKER units have no preloaded maps — you build your own with Quickdraw Contours as you fish. ECHOMAP UHD2 comes with preloaded Garmin Navionics+ maps for 23,000+ U.S. or 20,000+ Canadian lakes.
If you fish the same handful of lakes every weekend, STRIKER's Quickdraw works great — you'll have your home waters fully mapped in a season. If you fish new water often (vacation trips, travel tournaments, coastal), the preloaded ECHOMAP maps are worth the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this come with maps?
No — STRIKER units don't have preloaded maps. You create your own custom contour maps with Quickdraw Contours as you fish. If you want preloaded Garmin Navionics+ maps, upgrade to an ECHOMAP UHD2 ($399.99+).
What's the difference between cv and sv models?
cv = CHIRP + ClearVu (down imaging only). sv = CHIRP + ClearVu + SideVu (adds side imaging). The sv models come with the GT52HW-TM transducer instead of the GT20-TM. Side imaging is a game-changer for finding structure — cover on the sides of your boat becomes visible up to 750 ft out.
Does it have a touchscreen?
No — all STRIKER Vivid models use physical buttons. That's actually an advantage: buttons work with wet hands, gloves, or in rough water where a touchscreen can get confused. ECHOMAP UHD2 is where touchscreen enters the Garmin lineup.
What transducer does this use?
GT20-TM — 4-pin dual-element transducer with CHIRP Traditional (77/200 kHz) + ClearVu (260/455/800 kHz). Power: 500W.
Can I network this with other Garmin units?
Most STRIKER Vivid models (7cv and larger) have Wi-Fi + ActiveCaptain app support for waypoint sharing and Quickdraw Community access. They do NOT have NMEA 2000 networking — that starts at ECHOMAP UHD2. If you need to network with a Garmin chartplotter at the helm, upgrade to ECHOMAP.
Is this good for ice fishing?
Can be used for ice fishing, but you'd need a portable kit (battery, carrying case, ice-specific transducer) separately. For a dedicated ice-fishing setup, buy the STRIKER Vivid 5cv Ice Fishing Bundle ($449.99) or STRIKER Plus 4 Ice Fishing Bundle ($379.99) which include everything.
Warranty
1-year limited manufacturer warranty from Garmin. Backed by CSO's expert product support.
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | 010-02551-02 |
| Model | STRIKER Vivid 5cv (no transducer) |
| Display | 5" color WVGA (800 × 480) |
| Sonar Type | CHIRP Traditional + CHIRP ClearVu (transducer not included) |
| Frequency | Trad 77/200 kHz / ClearVu 260/455/800 kHz compatible |
| Transducer | NOT included — buy GT20-TM or GT22HW-TM separately |
| GPS/Mapping | Built-in GPS + Quickdraw Contours |
| Water Use | Freshwater + Saltwater |
| Warranty | 1-year limited manufacturer |
