Garmin Striker 7SV Review – Fish Finder Planet
Garmin Striker 7SV is one of the latest fishfinders released by Garmin. With weighing only 24 oz, this fishfinder comes with a big 7-inch high-resolution display. Due to the large sharp screen, you will be able to see detailed reading and data very clearly. Though this is priced in the midrange, the features are very advanced and powerful. You will love how the CHIRP with DownVu & SideVu sonar perform to make fishing more easy and enjoyable. If you follow this Garmin Striker 7SV review, you will discover the features, sonar technologies, pros, cons and more exciting features.
One another good reason to choose this fishfinder is this comes with a transducer. The supported frequencies are listed below. You will also get transom and trolling motor mounts with the package. However, I insist you to check if the model still comes with a transducer.
Contents
Supported Frequencies
- Traditional : 50/77/200 kHz
- CHIRP [Mid & High]
- SideVu : 260/455/800 kHz
Key Points
Display
With a 7-inch big color display, Striker 7sv offers it’s users the best view for seeing different types of data, reading, and reports. The resolution of the color WVGA display is 800x480. Thus, you can realize that you will be looking at a bright and sharp display to identify the best fishing spots. Due to split screen feature, you can see multiple reading or data at a time on this big screen. Since this device has a water resistance level of IPX7, you won’t have a problem when the swell is high and water splashes on the device.
Sonar Technology
CHIRP Sonar
CHIRP is a signal where the frequency will increase and decrease with time. CHIRP sonar has been proven a great technology to finding fish spots better than ever. CHIRP will provide more power than traditional sonar technologies, with more energy into the water and the target. While most sonar technologies might struggle to provide a better separation, CHIRP will provide an excellent target separation. That’s what we all want right? Besides large targets, you will be able to detect small targets more efficiently. As a result, you will see clear, sharp, and crispy images.
CHIRP sonar provides clear, sharp & crispy images for better target separation.
Unlike traditional sonar technology, CHIRP sends multiple frequencies at a time, so you will be able to have a clutterless display. No matter whether you are fishing in a pond or on saltwater, you will be amazed at the performance of CHIRP sonar. Depending on the transducer model, you can set the frequency. You will be able to detect small fish and game fish very clearly and efficiently.
DownVü
Some years ago, Garmin introduced DownVü to a lot of their new models which shook the fishing world. This is a high-frequency sonar which can provide a near picture like representation of the objects, structure and the fishes below your boat. This fascinating technology can totally change the way you look at your fishfinder’s display. DownVü sonar signal can offer a great target separation on both fresh and saltwater in an excellent resolution to make the fish finding process simpler.
DownVü and SideVü will enable the user to have a better understanding of what's beneath and the side of the boat.
SideVü Sonar
SideVu sonar is just like the DownVu Sonar but shows the what lies off to each side of your boat or vessel. You will be able to see the fish or structure besides the sides of the boat. This photo-like image will help you to locate the best place for fishing. Combines with high-resolution image, the noise suppressions makes it an easy task to find the perfect spot for fishing
GPS & Waypoint Map
Garmin Striker 7SV is one of the best fish finders with GPS combo. The high sensitivity built-in GPS offered by the Garmin Striker 7SV makes sure that you get to locate your current position precisely and accurately. No matter wherever you are going in U.S, you can always check your current position.
Besides noticing your current position, you can also mark your favorite fishing spots to come back later. You can also mark other spots like docks, boat ramps, sights, etc. A path will be created for you to return to your desired spot safely.
You can take advantage of the waypoint map you have generated by marking different spots. By using these waypoints, you can return to various places like brush piles, stumps, and docks. A lot of people also uses this feature to navigate to the boat ramp.
You can also share waypoints and routes with any STRIKER or echoMAP chartplotter combos
Check Speed Real Time
If you are using Striker 7SV, you can check your boat's speed in real time. This can be very helpful to check whether you are trolling in the right speed for a particular lure and fish species. It also can be a plus if you are trolling in a wake-controlled area.
Design & Operation
Like other Striker series models, Strike 7SV also comes with a rugged design. With the IPX7 water resistance level, this fishfinder can withstand harsh marine environments. The device is nearly rectangular with a curve on the sides. There are several physical buttons on the right side of the device. There is a navigation button for navigating through the device. It’s designed in such a way that the device can be operated with one hand.
- Keyed interface
- Physical buttons
- Easy to operate with one thumb
- Able to withstand harsh marine environments
Ice Flasher - Ice Fishing and Vertical Jigging
Do you love ice fishing? If the answer is yes, you will be glad to hear that this fishfinder can be used as a flasher too. This all-in-one unit can perform as both fishfinder and flasher. So if you are into ice fishing or jigging for crappie, this built-in flasher feature will show you several things likes the bottom, jig, weighted bait or the depth of fish.
You can also watch how high the jig is lifted or dropped and the fish movement. It can detect whether the fish is incoming to it or moving away. These fascinating features make it one of the best ice fishing flasher in the market.
Price
Despite offering numerous advanced features, Garmin Striker 7SV comes with a very reasonable price. Read the Garmin Striker 7SV review thoroughly to understand if it meets all your needs. We are also sharing a short pros & cons list after this paragraph. If budget is an issue, then check: Garmin Striker 4 Review.
Pros
- Big 7-inch high-resolution display
- Powerful CHIRP sonar included for better target separation with clear, sharp and photo-like image of structure, fish and objects
- DownVü sonar provides near picture like photo of objects, structure, and fishes beneath your boat
- SideVü Sonar shows what lies off to each side of the vessel/boat
- GPS included with waypoints feature
- Built-in flasher for ice fishing and vertical jigging
- You can check speed real time
- Transducer included with transom and trolling mount
- Simple dedicated button provides easy operation
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- SideVu needs more improvement
Final Verdict
I am an avid lover of Garmin's fishfinders. They have always proved to be a great manufacturer with a good deal for both newbie and seasoned anglers. If you are not ready to splash thousands of dollar, but still want to have a great fishfinder, you can completely rely on Garmin Striker 7SV. Since you have read the review of Striker 7SV, you are completely aware of how powerful and useful it is for most anglers. Combined with several sonar technologies and GPS function, it can be the best buddy for your next trip. I strongly recommend Garmin Striker SV for both newbie and professional angler.
