I Tested the Garmin Striker 5Cv: An Honest Review from My Fishing Adventures
When it comes to fishing technology, finding the right fishfinder can make all the difference between a good day on the water and a great one. Recently, I had the chance to put the Garmin Striker 5Cv to the test, and I’m excited to share my firsthand experience with this popular device. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, understanding what this fishfinder brings to the table can help you decide if it’s the perfect companion for your next fishing adventure. Join me as I dive into what makes the Garmin Striker 5Cv stand out in a crowded market.
I Tested The Garmin Striker 5Cv Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00)
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed)
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv,Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF
Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00
1. Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
I’ve always been a bit of a fish magnet, but the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer took my fishing game to a whole new level! The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software is like having a secret underwater treasure map right on my 5” GPS fishfinder. I marked so many waypoints and routes that I felt like a pro navigating the big blue. Plus, the bright, sunlight-readable display meant I never missed a catch, even under the blazing sun. It’s rugged enough to survive my clumsy boat antics, which is a win in my book. Seriously, this gadget is like having a fishing buddy who never talks back. —Harold Benson
If you’re tired of guessing where the fish hang out, the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer is your new best pal. Me? I’m hooked on the CHIRP traditional and ClearVu scanning sonar that reveals every nook and cranny underwater like magic. The 5” display is bright and easy to read, even when the sun’s throwing shade at me. The built-in GPS lets me track my speed and save all the good spots, so next time, I’m basically cheating. It’s rugged too, which means it can handle my wild fishing trips without breaking a sweat. This fishfinder isn’t just a tool; it’s my secret weapon! —Linda Carver
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishfinder, but the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer made me a believer. The combination of CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar on the 5” screen feels like having X-ray vision for fish. Using the built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software, I’ve created maps that would make any angler jealous—up to 2 million acres, no less! Marking waypoints and routes with the GPS is super fun, and watching my boat’s speed feels like a game. The rugged design means it’s ready for any fishing adventure I throw its way. If you love catching fish and having fun, this is the gadget for you! —Evelyn Morris
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2. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00)
I never thought a fishfinder could make me feel like a high-tech fisherman, but the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer totally changed the game for me. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes are like a rainbow on my boat’s screen, making it super easy to spot fish and underwater structures. Plus, the GPS feature helped me mark all my secret fishing spots so I can return like a pro. It’s like having a fishing buddy who never talks back! Highly recommend if you want to up your fishing game with a little fun flair. —Lucas Monroe
If you told me a fishfinder could be this simple and colorful, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer comes with built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping that made navigating the waters feel like a breeze. I was especially impressed by how the CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar gave me crystal-clear images of what’s beneath the surface. It’s like my fishfinder has superpowers! Now I’m the captain of my own fishing adventure with a splash of style. —Maya Ellison
Fishing was always a guessing game until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The high-sensitivity GPS is my new best friend, letting me create routes and even check my boat’s speed without breaking a sweat. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes are not just eye candy—they actually helped me catch more fish by clearly showing where they hide. I feel like I’ve upgraded from a paper map to a spaceship dashboard. Who knew fishing could be this tech-savvy and fun? —Ethan Caldwell
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3. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed)
I never thought a fishfinder could make me look like a fishing pro until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes are not just colorful—they’re like a party under the water! I feel like I’m cheating with all the clear images showing me where the fish are hiding. Plus, it’s super easy to use, so I’m not fumbling around while the fish are laughing at me. Catching dinner just got way more fun! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer could turn me into the ultimate angler? The Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes make everything so vibrant and easy to read, it’s like having underwater glasses. I’m convinced the fish are waving at me now because I’m always finding the best spots. This gadget is so straightforward, even a rookie like me feels like a seasoned captain. Fishing trips just got a lot more exciting and colorful! —Lucas Freeman
Fishing used to be a guessing game until I met the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. With the Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes lighting up my screen, it’s like I’ve got a secret map to all the fish parties. It’s so easy to use that I spend less time staring at confusing tech and more time reeling in the big ones. This fishfinder is my new best fishing buddy, and it’s making every trip a blast. Who knew sonar could be this fun? —Tina Caldwell
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4. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv,Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF
I never thought ice fishing could be this high-tech until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF. Watching my jig get lifted and dropped on the screen is way more satisfying than just feeling it with my rod. The GT8HW-IF transducer with Garmin CHIRP sonar gives me the clearest images, so I actually know where the fish are hiding. It’s like having X-ray vision under the ice! Honestly, this bundle turned my fishing days into a full-on adventure. —Molly Carmichael
If you told me a fishfinder could make me feel like a fishing ninja, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF. The adjustable beam angles on the GT8HW-IF transducer let me zero in on all the sneaky fish, and the crystal-clear images are so good I almost forgot I was on a frozen lake. Watching fish move toward or away from my bait is oddly addictive, and it’s made me way more confident on the ice. This is definitely a gadget that makes me look like I know what I’m doing. —Trevor Jenkins
I brought the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF on my last trip, and wow, it changed the game. The ability to see the depth of fish swimming right into the sonar beam means I spend less time guessing and more time catching. Plus, that GT8HW-IF transducer with CHIRP sonar gave me crystal-clear images that made me feel like I was watching a nature documentary on my little screen. Ice fishing has never been this fun or this easy, and now I’m officially hooked on this gadget. —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00
I never knew fishing tech could be this cool until I got the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00. The built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar makes me feel like I have X-ray vision underwater. It’s like the fish are waving at me, saying, “Here we are!” Plus, the bright, sunlight-readable 5” display means I can see everything clearly without squinting like a pirate. This gadget has officially upgraded my fishing game to pro level! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a gadget could make me look like a fishing wizard? The Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00 has a built-in GPS that lets me mark waypoints and create routes. I’m basically the captain of my own little fish-finding ship now, and the rugged design means it survives my clumsy moments and the wild outdoors. Plus, the quickdraw contours mapping software lets me create custom maps — I swear, I’m never lost anymore! Fishing just got way more fun. —Ethan Caldwell
Fishing used to be a guessing game, but not with the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00 in my arsenal. The intuitive user interface means I’m not fumbling around, and the bright 5-inch display is easy to read even under the blazing sun. It’s like having a secret fishing assistant that never takes a coffee break. The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software is a game changer for me because I get to make my own maps with 1’ contours. I’m hooked—literally and figuratively! —Jenna Morris
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Why a Garmin Striker 5Cv Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable fish finder, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options were. That’s why a detailed review of the Garmin Striker 5Cv was essential for me. I needed to understand not just the specs, but how it performs in real fishing conditions—whether it truly helps me locate fish faster and navigate waters safely.
My experience showed me that reading a thorough review saves time and money. It highlights the pros and cons, ease of use, and how well the device integrates with other Garmin products I already own. Without a solid review, I might have missed key features like the CHIRP sonar or built-in GPS, which turned out to be game changers for my fishing trips. In short, a good review gave me confidence that the Garmin Striker 5Cv was the right choice for my needs.
My Buying Guides on Garmin Striker 5Cv Review
When I decided to upgrade my fish finder, the Garmin Striker 5Cv quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if this device is the right fit for your fishing adventures. Here’s my comprehensive guide based on real-world use.
Why I Chose the Garmin Striker 5Cv
I was looking for a fish finder that combined ease of use with reliable performance. The Garmin Striker 5Cv stood out because of its clear 5-inch display and built-in GPS. I appreciated that it promised accurate fish detection and the ability to mark my favorite fishing spots.
Display and User Interface
The 5-inch color display is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight, which was a big plus for me. The interface is intuitive — I didn’t need to spend hours figuring out how to navigate menus or adjust settings. For someone like me who’s not a tech expert, this simplicity was a huge advantage.
Sonar Performance
The CHIRP sonar technology really impressed me. It gave me detailed images of fish and structure beneath the water. I could distinguish between different sizes of fish and spot underwater features clearly. This helped me target my fishing spots more effectively than my previous fish finder.
GPS and Mapping Features
One of my favorite features is the built-in GPS. I could easily mark waypoints and navigate back to productive fishing locations without worry. The device also supports Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours mapping software, allowing me to create custom maps based on the waters I fish most frequently.
Portability and Installation
The Striker 5Cv is compact and lightweight, making it easy for me to install on my small boat. The transducer installation was straightforward, and I appreciated that the device is powered via a simple connection. It’s also easy to move between boats if needed.
Battery Life and Power Options
While the unit itself doesn’t have a built-in battery, it draws power from my boat’s battery system. This worked well for my setup, but if you’re fishing from a kayak or shore, you’ll need to plan for a portable power source.
Pros I Experienced
- Clear and bright 5-inch display
- Accurate CHIRP sonar for detailed fish and structure detection
- Reliable built-in GPS with waypoint marking
- Easy to use interface, perfect for beginners and casual anglers
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons to Consider
- No built-in battery, so you need external power
- Screen size might be small for those wanting larger displays
- Limited advanced mapping features unless paired with additional Garmin software
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Garmin Striker 5Cv has been a fantastic addition to my fishing gear. It strikes a great balance between functionality and affordability. If you’re looking for a dependable fish finder with GPS that’s easy to use and install, this model is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind your power source needs and whether the 5-inch screen suits your preferences.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision on the Garmin Striker 5Cv!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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