We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Products or services advertised on this page may be offered by an entity that is affiliated with us. Learn more about our process here.
I love to test new fishing gadgets and share my opinion.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a state-of-the-art fish finder with all the capabilities you’d expect (and some you wouldn’t) from a device of its kind. It contains cutting-edge sonar technology, GPS technology, a high-quality display screen, and an easy-to-use interface. It is also one of the most reasonably priced entry-level fish finders in the Striker series.
The Striker 4cv also has a traditional CHIRP sonar and a ClearVü sonar. To learn more about this fish finder and see what it brings to your fishing experiences, read our full Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv review!
Table of Contents
Garmin Striker 4cv Review: Editor's Note
| ⭐ Rating: | 4.1 ★★★★★ |
| 📡 GPS: | Internal |
| 🖥️ Screen size: | 4 Inches |
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a high-quality fish detector that performs as advertised and is constructed to last. Its actual value lies in the sonar functions and Chirp technology. it boasts It serves several purposes and will improve your fishing in many ways.
Specs Sheet as Reviewed
- Physical dimensions: 3.9'' x 6.9'' x 1.8''
- Screen resolution: 272 X 480 pixels
- Display Type: QSVGA
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Water rating: IPX7
- Sender power: 300 W (RMS)
- Dual-Frequency (50/200 Khz) Sonar Capable: ✓
- Dual-Beam (77/200 Khz) Sonar Capable: ✓
- Frequencies Supported: Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz; CHIRP (mid and high); ClearVü 260/455/800 kHz;
- Bottom lock (shows return from the bottom up): ✓
- Water temperature graph and log: ✓
- Split screen zoom: ✓
- Ultrascroll®: ✓
- Autogain technology: ✓
- Adjustable depth line: ✓
- A-Scope: ✓
- Water temperature sensor: ✓
Pros
- Affordable cost
- Simple setup
- Simple to use interface
- Clearly displayed depth and water temperature information
- Battery voltage display
Cons
- Directions aren't always clear
- The battery is not included
- The transducer is a bit too big for certain trolling motor mounts
- At 3.1 pounds, it is a little bit heavier than its simpler version
Short Summary & Feedback from Existing Owners
One Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv owner explains that the device has every function necessary for a fishing vessel. This information may be shown on a single screen and include fish depth, water temperature, speed, time, voltage, and direction.
Within an hour, the system can be configured to show the information that most interests you. Anybody who has used a fish finder before can accomplish the same with the Striker Vivid 4cv and make use of its waypoint map. Even in split-screen mode, the screen looks great.
Dimensions
The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv is small and lightweight, measuring 3.9×6.9×1.8 inches. Its portability and lightweight design place it on our list of the top portable fish finders on the market.
The four-inch screen is QSVGA and has a 272 by 480 resolution, or 130,560 pixels. Although the screen is tiny, it displays brilliant colors and efficiently distinguishes between stationary objects and fish passing.
Battery Life
It has been shown and validated via testing that the Garmin Striker 4’s battery life may last up to three days, making it a dependable option. The battery has a voltage of 12 volts and a 7miliamps capacity.
Compatibility
The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv is compatible with all Garmin transducers, giving you a real-time ‘view’ of the water under your vessel.
Bluetooth
The Striker Vivid 4cv doesn’t have a Bluetooth feature since there is no need to use your smartphone or any other external devices to operate.
Frequencies
The CHIRP technology provides a continuous sweep of frequencies, allowing you to collect various valuable data. Because of this, fish arches are more distinct and targets are easier to locate.
The in-built flasher provides access to information in the conventional layout. Vertical jigging and ice fishing are two of their best applications.
The CHIRP technology used by the STRIKER 4cv’s 77/200 kHz transducer dramatically improves upon the clarity and fish detail seen in conventional transducers of this kind. Instead of using only one frequency, CHIRP will transmit a range of them (from very low to very high) and then analyze the results independently.
Near-photographic clarity provides a more trustworthy picture of the seafloor as the boat moves forward. The new Striker Vivid 4cv combines CHIRP sonar with CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar in a single transducer, improving both capabilities.
How to Use It?
Although it seems slightly confusing at first glance, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is relatively straightforward. The first thing you need to do after starting the device is to select the sonar mode view that is most suitable for you. Here, you can pick between Traditional, ClearVu, Flasher, Split Frequency, and Traditional + ClearVu.
Once you select your desired mode, you can adjust the settings next. Such include fish icons and sonar color palettes – all pretty easy to set up. Once that is out of the way, your screen will be optimized for your specific needs and show you all the vital stats you need. These can include anything from water depth and temperature to underwater structure and fish.
Who Should Buy Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv?
The Garmin STRIKER 4cv is a good option if you want to upgrade your fishing equipment but don’t have the cash for a more expensive item.
As elaborated in our Garmin Striker 4cv review, this fish finder is one of the most effective low-cost options today. It has the same advanced capabilities as more costly models and can be a great fit for beginner anglers who are just getting used to fishing electronics.
Whether you fish from a boat, kayak, or on ice – this miracle worker does the job right.