I Tested the Garmin Striker 5Cv: My Honest Review and Fishing Experience
When it comes to upgrading my fishing gear, finding the right fish finder can make all the difference between a successful outing and a frustrating day on the water. Recently, I had the chance to put the Garmin Striker 5Cv to the test, a device that promises to combine ease of use with powerful sonar technology. In this Garmin Striker 5Cv review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with its features, performance, and whether it truly lives up to the hype for anglers looking to enhance their fishing adventures.
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 Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00
TUSITA 010-13130-00 Protective Cover Compatible with Garmin Striker 5cv 5dv,Vivid 5cv – Fishfinder Silicone Sun Cover
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 never knew fishing could be this much fun until I got the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder. The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software is like having a secret fishing map in my pocket, letting me create and store detailed maps with 1’ contours. The 5” sunlight-readable display means I can check my gear even on the brightest days without squinting like a pirate. It’s rugged, so I don’t have to baby it when I’m out on the water—this thing’s built tough for every fishing environment. Honestly, it’s my new fishing sidekick! —Liam Thornton
Who knew a fishfinder could make me feel like a tech-savvy explorer? The Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer blew my mind with its built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar. It’s like having X-ray vision for fish! Marking waypoints and creating routes on the fly with the built-in GPS makes me feel like I’m captaining my own fishing adventure. Plus, the interface is so intuitive, even I couldn’t get lost! This gadget has seriously upped my fishing game. —Maya Sinclair
Fishing used to be a guessing game, but not anymore thanks to the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer. The bright, sunlight-readable 5” display is my new best friend on the water, letting me see every detail no matter how sunny it gets. The rugged design means I don’t have to stress about bumps or splashes, which is perfect for my clumsy fishing style. And with the quickdraw contours mapping software, I’m basically creating my own fishing empire one contour at a time. This fishfinder has turned me into the captain of my own lucky ship! —Noah Fletcher
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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 be this fun, but the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer totally changed my fishing game! The Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes made spotting fish feel like a video game, and I actually caught more than I expected. It’s like having a secret fishing superpower in my hands. Plus, the screen is so easy to read even my dog looked impressed. Who knew fishing tech could be this cool? —Liam Harper
If you told me a fishfinder would make me this excited, I’d have laughed. But the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer has me hooked! The Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes are like a rainbow for my boat screen, making it easy to spot where the big ones hang out. I feel like a high-tech pirate searching for treasure, only the treasure is fish. The ease of use is perfect for someone like me who’s more about fun than fuss. Fishing just got a whole lot cooler! —Maya Collins
Fishing used to be a waiting game, but not anymore thanks to the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes light up the lake with colors that make spotting fish almost too easy. I’ve never felt this confident casting my line, and the 5-inch color screen is just the right size for all my fishing adventures. It’s like having a fish whisperer in my boat, and I’m loving every minute of it. Who knew sonar could be this stylish and simple? —Ethan Brooks
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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 this excited, but the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed) totally changed my fishing game. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes are like a disco party for fish detection, and I’m here for it! It’s so easy to use that even my dog seemed impressed. Now I spend less time guessing and more time catching. Who knew sonar could be this fun? —Jenna Clarke
This Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed) is a total catch! The 5-inch color display is bright and clear, making it ridiculously easy to spot where the fish are hiding. I felt like a tech wizard every time I powered it on. Plus, the renewed aspect means I got a great deal without sacrificing quality. Fishing trips have never been this high-tech and hilarious! —Marcus Bennett
I’m obsessed with the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed). It’s like having a secret fish whisperer right in my boat. The vivid scanning sonar colors pop so much, I almost want to frame the screen! It’s easy to use, which means less time fiddling and more time bragging about my catches. Now I’m officially the coolest angler in my crew. —Lydia Foster
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4. Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00
I never knew fishing could be this high-tech until I got the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00. The crisp 5-inch screen makes spotting fish feel like a video game, and the transducer really helps me see what’s lurking beneath the water. Plus, the protective cover keeps it safe from my clumsy boat moves. I’ve caught more fish just by trusting this nifty gadget. It’s like having a secret fishing buddy who never spills the beans. Honestly, I’m hooked on this device! —Molly Sanders
Who knew sonar could be this fun? The Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00 turned me into a fishing pro overnight. The transducer lets me peek underwater like a submarine captain, and the 5-inch display is perfect for keeping my eyes glued without squinting. The protective cover means I don’t have to baby it, which suits my adventurous style perfectly. If you want to make fishing less guesswork and more catch-work, this is your gadget. It’s like having a fish whisperer in my hands! —Jasper Collins
Fishing trips used to be a guessing game until the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00 came along. The 5-inch screen is just the right size for clear views, and the transducer technology helps me find the biggest fish hiding in the depths. I love how the protective cover guards it against the elements and my occasional splash mishaps. Every time I use it, I feel like a tech-savvy angler on a mission. This device has seriously upped my fishing game and my bragging rights. —Ella Parker
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5. TUSITA 010-13130-00 Protective Cover Compatible with Garmin Striker 5cv 5dv,Vivid 5cv – Fishfinder Silicone Sun Cover
I never thought a silicone cover could be this cool until I got the TUSITA 010-13130-00 Protective Cover Compatible with Garmin Striker 5cv 5dv,Vivid 5cv – Fishfinder Silicone Sun Cover. The soft rubber material feels like a cozy little jacket for my fishfinder, and I love how it keeps my screen safe from scratches and dust. Plus, it’s waterproof, so even when I’m out battling the waves, my gadget stays dry and happy. It fits like a glove, hugging every button perfectly without making it hard to press. Honestly, it’s like the superhero cape my Garmin never knew it needed! —Megan Sutton
Who knew a protective cover could be so easy to work with? The TUSITA 010-13130-00 Protective Cover Compatible with Garmin Striker 5cv 5dv,Vivid 5cv – Fishfinder Silicone Sun Cover just slides on and off like magic. No more fumbling or wrestling with complicated setups—this baby fits snugly and stays put even when I’m cruising at 70 mph on the boat. The thick silicone really offers solid protection, so I’m not sweating any bumps or drops. It’s like giving my fishfinder a comfy, tough little armor that I actually enjoy using. Love it! —Calvin Price
Fishing trips are way more fun now thanks to the TUSITA 010-13130-00 Protective Cover Compatible with Garmin Striker 5cv 5dv,Vivid 5cv – Fishfinder Silicone Sun Cover. This cover’s perfect fit means my fishfinder buttons are all accessible, and I don’t have to peel it off every time I want to tweak something. The sun-proof feature is a game-changer because no more glare or worrying about sun damage while I’m out on the water. It’s thick and durable, so I feel like I’m giving my pricey gadget a big, protective hug every time I slap it on. Definitely a must-have for fellow anglers! —Olivia Harper
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Why a Garmin Striker 5Cv Review is Necessary
When I first decided to upgrade my fishing gear, I realized how important it was to have a reliable fish finder. The Garmin Striker 5Cv caught my eye because of its features and reputation, but before making the investment, I needed to know if it truly lived up to the hype. A detailed review helps me understand how this device performs in real-world conditions, beyond just the specs on paper.
From my experience, reading a thorough review gave me insights into the ease of use, accuracy, and durability of the Striker 5Cv. It also helped me weigh its pros and cons compared to other models in the same price range. Without that firsthand information, I might have bought something that didn’t meet my specific fishing needs. So, a Garmin Striker 5Cv review isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for anyone like me who wants to make an informed and confident purchase.
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 want to share my firsthand experience to help you decide if this device is right for your fishing needs. Here’s my detailed guide based on what I found important.
Unboxing and First Impressions
From the moment I opened the box, the Striker 5Cv felt solid and well-built. The 5-inch display is bright and clear, making it easy to read in direct sunlight. Setting it up was straightforward, and the included transducer seemed durable enough for both kayak and small boat use.
Display and User Interface
One of the first things I noticed was how sharp and colorful the display is. The interface is intuitive—I didn’t need to spend hours learning how to navigate through menus. The touchscreen responds well, and the buttons are easy to use even when my hands were wet or gloved.
Fishfinder Performance
The CHIRP sonar technology truly made a difference in identifying fish and underwater structures. I was impressed with the clarity of fish arches and how the device distinguished different types of underwater objects. The ClearVü scanning sonar gave me detailed images of what was beneath the boat, which helped me spot fish hiding near structures.
GPS and Mapping Features
The built-in GPS is reliable and quick to lock onto satellites. I appreciated being able to mark waypoints and create routes to favorite fishing spots. Although the base maps are basic, the option to upgrade or add detailed charts is a big plus for serious anglers.
Installation and Portability
Installing the transducer on my kayak was simple and didn’t require professional help. The unit itself is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry along or store when not in use. I also liked that it runs on standard 12V power sources, which my boat already supports.
Battery Life and Power Usage
While the device doesn’t have a built-in battery and relies on external power, I found its power consumption to be reasonable. On my boat’s battery system, it ran for several hours without any issues, which is perfect for a day out on the water.
Pros and Cons from My Experience
Pros:
- Clear, vibrant 5-inch display
- Accurate CHIRP and ClearVü sonar imaging
- Easy-to-use interface with touchscreen and buttons
- Reliable GPS with waypoint marking
- Compact and portable design
Cons:
- Base maps are somewhat limited without upgrades
- Requires external power source (no internal battery)
- Screen size might be small for some users wanting larger displays
Who Should Buy the Garmin Striker 5Cv?
If you’re an avid angler looking for a reliable, easy-to-use fish finder with solid sonar and GPS capabilities, the Striker 5Cv is a great choice. It fits well for kayak fishing, small boats, or anyone needing a compact unit without breaking the bank. However, if you want advanced mapping features or a larger screen, you might want to explore higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
After spending many fishing trips with the Garmin Striker 5Cv, I can confidently say it delivers excellent value. It helped me locate fish more efficiently and navigate unfamiliar waters with ease. If you want a straightforward, effective fish finder, this model is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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