Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV Review

The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 9sv is a fish finder with a large 9-inch color screen that makes spotting fish and underwater structures easier.

It features high-quality CHIRP sonar technology, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning for clear images of what’s beneath and to the sides of your boat. The bigger screen size is a real eye-catcher, especially if you’re keen on a more expansive view.

It also has the same built-in GPS for navigation and marking hotspots, and it includes the Quickdraw Contours mapping feature, allowing you to map the fishing spots you discover. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can pair it with the ActiveCaptain app for additional features and updates.

If you’re looking for a robust fish finder with a large display and powerful sonar capabilities, the STRIKER Vivid 9sv is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you appreciate more screen real estate to see the underwater action and for navigating through your fishing area.

Key Specifications:

Specification	Detail
Display Size	9 inches
Resolution	800 x 480
Sonar Technology	CHIRP Sonar, ClearVu, SideVu
Transducer	GT52HW-TM
Frequencies	50/77/200/455/800 kHz
GPS	Built-in
Waterproof Rating	IPX7
Price (MSRP)	$619.99 USD

Pros:

• Advanced Sonar Capabilities: Includes traditional, down and side imaging for detailed underwater views.
• Built-in GPS: Enhances navigation and allows for the creation of contour maps.
• Large Screen: 9-inch screen size allows users to display multiple sonars and navigation in split-screen views.
• Color Pallets: Offers various color schemes for sonar display, improving visibility and personalization.
• Smartphone Connectivity: Compatible with the Active Captain app for additional features and map downloads from smartphone.

Cons:

• Moderate Resolution: The screen lacks sharpness and detail compared to a high-resolution display.
• No Touchscreen: Operated by buttons, which may not be as user-friendly as a touchscreen interface.
• Limited Storage Options: Lacks an SD card port for external storage.
• No Networking options: Not ideal for fishing boats with multiple electronics that need integration.

Display Quality

The display on the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 9sv is designed to be user-friendly and effective for anglers. Here are a few points about its display quality:

• Screen Resolution: The 800 x 480 pixel resolution on a 9-inch screen of the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 9sv might not be the highest resolution available on the market, but it still provides a reasonably clear and usable image. For most fishing situations, this resolution should be sufficient to distinguish fish arches, structure, and bottom composition.
• Screen Size: The larger screen size allows for an expansive view of the sonar data, which can make it easier to read and interpret the information, especially when viewing from a distance or in split-screen mode. While a higher resolution can offer crisper detail, the STRIKER Vivid 9sv balances screen size and resolution to deliver good visibility and detail for the angler.
• Vivid Color Palettes: One of the standout features of the Striker Vivid 9SV is its range of color palettes. These vivid colors are not just for aesthetics; they help in differentiating between various underwater structures and fish effectively. 
• Non-Touchscreen Interface: It’s important to note that the Striker Vivid 9SV does not have a touchscreen interface. Instead, it relies on button controls. This might be a preference for some users, especially when wearing gloves or in wet conditions where touchscreens can sometimes be less responsive.
• Sonar Imaging: The display works well with the CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonars to provide clear images of what’s beneath and to the sides of the boat.

Transducer Features

The GT52HW-TM Transducer, which comes with the Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV, offers advanced sonar capabilities for enhanced fishing experiences. Key features include:

• Type and Mounting: It’s a plastic, trolling motor transducer, designed for transom mount, featuring a 12-pin connector.
• Sonar Technology: Offers CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVu, and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar at 455/800kHz frequencies, providing clear fish arches and detailed structure below and to the side of the boat.
• Power and Frequency: High wide band CHIRP traditional sonar operates at 150-240 kHz (250 W power rating), and CHIRP ClearVu and SideVü elements operate at 455/800 kHz with a 500 W power rating each (1,500 W total).
• Maximum depth: Traditional sonar reaches up to 800 ft, and ClearVü/SideVü up to 500 ft.
• Other Specifications: Comes with a 20 ft cable and supports transom angles from 0-70 degrees for versatile installation

Sonar Performance

The sonar capabilities of the Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV are highly regarded, particularly for their clarity and precision. It features advanced fish sonar including CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVu, and CHIRP SideVü, providing detailed and clear images of fish arches, as well as underwater structure below and to the sides of the boat. The inclusion of these sonar types, along with the large 9-inch screen and user-friendly interface, make it a strong choice for anglers seeking accurate and detailed underwater imaging. Below we will review all three sonar types of Striker 9SV in more detail.

SideVu

The Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV, equipped with SideVü Imaging, offers a range of features for anglers and boating enthusiasts. Here’s a review of its SideVü capability:

• Clarity and Detail: The SideVü technology provides clear and detailed images of the underwater environment. It’s effective for identifying structures, like rock piles and submerged trees.
• Structure Identification: Excellent for identifying underwater structures, which is vital for targeted fishing.
• Fish Detection: It can display fish as distinct dots or lines, depending on the boat’s movement and water conditions. This aids in locating fish around structures. While effective, it might not be as precise as traditional sonar for direct fish detection. It’s best used in conjunction with traditional sonar.
• Depth and Range: The SideVü offers a good view of the sides of the boat, making it useful for scanning large areas of water. Its performance in different depths is generally reliable.
• Affordability: It’s considered a good value for its price range, offering advanced features without the premium cost of higher-end models.
• Comparison with high-end models: While the premium Garmin EchoMap series may offer superior image clarity, the Striker Vivid 9SV stands out for its balance of price and performance.

ClearVu

The ClearVü Imaging in the Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV is highly regarded for its detailed imaging and performance in various fishing conditions. Here’s an overview of its effectiveness:

• High Resolution: ClearVü scanning sonar provides high-resolution images, offering detailed views of the underwater environment. This is particularly useful for identifying specific structures and fish.
• Clarity: The images produced are clear, making it easier to distinguish between different types of underwater features, such as rocks, trees, and fish.
• Accuracy in Fish Detection: The sonar is effective at displaying the presence of fish, particularly around structures where traditional sonar might not be as clear.
• Detail vs. Coverage: While ClearVü offers more detailed images than traditional sonar, it covers a narrower area. It is best used in combination with traditional sonar for a comprehensive understanding of the underwater terrain.
• Ideal for Structure Fishing: Anglers targeting specific underwater structures will find ClearVü extremely helpful due to its ability to reveal detailed contours and hiding spots for fish.

CHIRP Sonar

The CHIRP sonar in the Striker Vivid 9SV offers significant advantages for anglers, especially in freshwater and inshore coastal environments. 

• Frequency Choices: Offers traditional CHIRP and frequencies like 150 kHz, 200 kHz, and 240 kHz. Users can choose based on their preferences.
• Ideal for Shallow Water: Ideal for fishing in shallow lakes, rivers, or inshore saltwater environments. The high CHIRP frequencies in Striker 9SV provides a wider sonar cone, covering a larger area, which is useful for locating fish and structures in shallower waters. 
• Customizable Range: Users can manually set the sonar range to match the specific depth they are fishing in, allowing for targeted scanning.
• Gain Control: The gain can be adjusted either manually or automatically (with high, medium, low settings), enabling users to find a balance between image clarity and clutter. Lowering the gain helps reduce clutter, highlighting only the strongest sonar returns.
• Noise Reduction: Settings are available to eliminate surface noise and reduce interference, leading to clearer sonar images.
• Fish Symbols: This feature simplifies sonar returns into fish icons, which is especially helpful for beginners or those preferring a straightforward visual representation.

Maps

The Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV offers basic mapping features that are useful for navigation and fishing. Here’s an overview of its mapping and GPS capabilities:

• Create Custom Fishing Maps: The Striker 9SV features Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours software, which allows users to create their own HD fishing maps. This feature is particularly useful for areas where detailed maps might not be available.
• Real-Time Mapping: As you navigate the waters, Quickdraw Contours generates maps in real-time based on your sonar data. This feature can map water depths and bottom contours.
• Depth Range Shading: Users can set different depth range shades for easy viewability and to highlight specific depth zones that are of interest for fishing.
• High-Sensitivity GPS: The Striker 9SV is equipped with a high-sensitivity GPS, which provides accurate and quick position fixes.
• Waypoint Marking: Users can mark and navigate to waypoints, such as fishing spots, docks, and ramps. This feature is crucial for returning to fruitful fishing spots or navigating through tricky waters.
• Route Planning and Tracking: The device allows for route planning and can track your boat’s movement, helping you retrace your path or plan new routes.
• No Preloaded Maps: Unlike some other models in the market, the Striker 9SV does not come with preloaded detailed maps. Its primary function is sonar scanning, with mapping as a complementary feature.
• No Chartplotter Functionality: It doesn’t have the full capabilities of a chartplotter, which might be a limitation for users looking for extensive marine navigation features.

Is it worth the money?

The Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV, with its price point of $619.99 (MSRP), is particularly suitable for anglers who want a balance of advanced sonar features and affordability. While higher-priced 9-inch fish finders may offer better screen resolution and more advanced sonar capabilities, the Striker Vivid 9SV’s features are sufficient for many fishing scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the type of anglers who would find this fish finder worth the money:

1. Budget-Conscious Anglers: Anglers who are looking for a balance between advanced features and affordability will find the Striker Vivid 9SV appealing. It offers many high-end features without the premium cost.
2. Freshwater Anglers: Its CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonars are well-suited for freshwater environments like lakes and rivers, where detailed imaging of the bottom structure and fish is crucial.
3. Inshore Saltwater Anglers: The fish finder is effective in inshore saltwater environments for mapping bottom contours and identifying fish near the seabed.
4. Kayak and Small Boat Anglers: Its 9-inch display is a little big for smaller vessels like kayaks and small boats, but a large and readable display is desired on a budget.

FAQs

Is the Garmin striker Vivid 9sv compatible with Livescope?

The Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV is not compatible with Garmin’s Panoptix Livescope system. Livescope is designed to work with the Garmin fish finders with networking capabilities, which the Striker series lacks.

How to download maps on Garmin Striker 9SV?

You can download and use maps created by others using the Garmin Quickdraw Contours feature, which is shared with the Garmin Quickdraw Community. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use the ActiveCaptain App:

• Open the ActiveCaptain® app on your mobile device.
• Select ‘Quickdraw Community’ and then ‘Search for Contours’.

2. Locate the Desired Area:

• Use the map and search features within the app to find the specific area you’re interested in.
• Look for red dots on the map, which represent areas where Garmin Quickdraw Contours maps have been shared.

3. Select and Download the Region:

• Tap on ‘Select Download Region’.
• Drag the box to cover the area you want to download. You can adjust the download area by dragging the corners.
• Once you’ve selected the desired area, choose ‘Download Area’.

4. Transfer to STRIKER Vivid Device:

• Ensure your ActiveCaptain app is connected to your STRIKER Vivid device.
• The downloaded contours will be transferred to your device automatically during this connection.

What is the best battery for Garmin Striker 9SV?

For the Garmin Striker 9SV, which requires a power input of 12 to 20 Vdc and has a typical current draw of 0.75 A and a maximum current draw of 1.5 A, the best battery choice would be a reliable 12-volt deep cycle marine battery. Consider these factors:

1. Amp-Hour (Ah) Rating: Given the current draw of the Striker 9SV, a battery with an amp-hour rating of around 7 to 20 Ah would generally suffice for typical use. If you plan longer trips or continuous use, opt for a higher Ah rating to ensure longer operation time.
2. Type of Battery: Choose a deep cycle marine battery, as they are designed for the consistent, long-term discharge needed for electronic devices like fish finders.
3. Quality and Durability: Select a battery known for its quality and durability, especially if you frequently fish in harsh marine environments.
4. Size and Portability: If you’re using a small boat or kayak, consider the physical size and weight of the battery for ease of transport and fit.