Best For Kayak Fishing
Garmin Striker 4cv Review
Together with Striker 4, the 4cv model is one of the most affordable entry-level fish finders in the famous Striker series. The model numbers 010-01806 and 01001806-01 are made for English-speaking and international customers, respectively.
Striker 4 and 4cv are very similar models, but the latter features both a CHIRP and a ClearVü sonar. Keep reading this candid Garmin Striker 4cv review to learn more about the fish finder and its features and determine if it can elevate your fishing performance.
Pros & Cons
- 2D and ClearVü sonars with the CHIRP technology
- CV20-TM transducer
- Numerous 2D sonar functions
- High-sensitivity GPS
- Speed calculations + coordinates
- Up to 5,000 saved waypoints
- Strong LED backlight
- Compact & affordable
- NO microSD or NMEA connectivity
- No built-in maps
Specifications
| Specifications | Garmin Striker 4cv |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging |
| Sonar | 2D CHIRP & ClearVü |
| Transducer | CV20-TM |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 1.9'' x 2.9'' (4.9 x 7.3 cm); 3.5'' diag, (8.7 cm), 480 x 320 pixels, HVGA color |
| Dimensions | 3.6'' x 5.9'' x 1.6'' (91.6 x 150.8 x 42.8 cm) |
| Weight | 8.1 oz (230g) |
| Batteries | xxx |
| Depth Capability | 1,750 ft freshwater*, 830 ft saltwater* |
| Frequency | Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz CHIRP (mid and high) ClearVü: 260/455/800 kHz |
| Power Output | 500 Watts (RMS) |
| Power Input | Current draw @ 12V: 0.40A |
| GPS | internal |
| Maps | No |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | 5000 points |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No |
| MicroSD card slot | No |
Display/Screen
In spite of its name, Striker 4cv features a 3.5” HVGA (half-size VGA) display, which corresponds to the 3:2 aspect ratio standard and is just big enough to provide users with clear observation of their targets as well as good readability in direct sunlight. The screen measures 1.9” x 2.9” x 1.6”.
In terms of water-resistance, the unit is rated IP-X7, which means it is not entirely waterproof but can withstand heavy rain, accidental water splashes, and even complete submersion in 3.3ft of water up to 30 minutes. However, since it does feature an “X” in the rating, it means it has not been tested against the entry of solid objects like dust, sand, and other unwanted particles.
Striker 4cv allows you to observe up to 2 panels in the split-screen mode (both 2D and ClearVü sonars, for example) and features an integrated LED backlight. Note that the lighting is not adjustable like with some top-tier striker models (7dv, for example).
Sonar & Transducer
As already mentioned in this Garmin Striker 4cv review, the unit comes with both standard 2D and ClearVü sonars. It also features the famous CHIRP technology, which means every ping you release will cover a wide range of frequencies instead of just one. The overall depth penetration of the unit is 1,750ft in freshwater and 830ft in saltwater. However, when talking about the maximum depth, you should also consider the bottom type and water conditions since they can greatly affect the overall performance of the unit. The refined target definition allows you to remove extra clutter from your imaging, which increases your chances of detecting fish successfully.
The 4cv comes with the 4-pin CV20-TM transducer that covers the frequency ranges of 77/200 kHz for 2D and 455/800 kHz for dv. It also features 20ft of power cable, depth and temperature sensors, a tilt/swivel mount, and transom and trolling motor mounts. The width of the beam is 45/15 for traditional sonars and 2.5 at 455 kHz and 1.6 at 800 kHz for ClearVü. Unlike more sophisticated units, Garmin Striker 4cv is not capable of hitting lower frequencies (50 kHz and 260 kHz) even if you upgrade the transducer.
If CV20-TM reminds you of GT20-TM, that is because they are very similar in capabilities and overall performance. The built-in temperature sensor feeds the temperature graph with important data, which is extremely useful for fishers looking to detect top-layer currents.
The transducer allows the unit to utilize Mid and High CHIRP in the 2D sonar mode and adjust the CHIRP interval pulse between 435-475 kHz and 800-840 kHz for cv. This further increases the quality of your imaging and allows for better definition and separation.
The traditional 2D sonar comes with a wide variety of useful features, including AutoGain, UltraScroll, Circular Flasher, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, Fish Alarms, and more.
Navigation
The Striker Series is famous for pairing fish finders with internal GPS devices. Striker 4cv is no exception. It comes with a high-sensitivity internal GPS module, which does not just give you information about your current location but also calculates the speed of your vessel and shows you your current latitude and longitude.
On the other hand, none of the devices included in the Striker Series feature any built-in charts. They also do not come with SD or microSD slots, so adding your own charts is not an option. In other words, the navigation platform is just a blank sheet waiting for you to fill it with up to 5,000 waypoints and mark them with a wide variety of pretty suggestive icons. You can use this function to mark your fishing hotspots, docks, and boat ramps, as well as natural elements like tree stumps and brush piles.
Networking
Garmin Striker 4cv does not come with any SD-reading capacity, which prevents you from loading your own maps and charts onto the device. It also does not feature NMEA connectivity. With that in mind, the overall networking capacity of this finder/GPS combo is not ideal and should not be your primary focus if you are looking to buy this model.
What's In The Box
- STRIKER 4cv
- Transducer
- Transom and trolling motor mounts
- Tilt/swivel mount
- Power cable
- Documentation
Garmin Striker Series Overview
In this Garmin Striker series overview, you can check out some of the most important features of other models from the series to determine if any of them is a better fit for your needs.
Garmin Striker 5dvRead Review
Garmin Striker 4cv Read Review
Garmin Striker 7dv Read Review
Garmin Striker 7svRead Review
Garmin Striker 4 Read ReviewVerdict
Our Garmin Striker 4cv review revealed one of the most budget-friendly fish finders out there. Paired with CV20-TM, it can reach up to 830ft in saltwater, which is no small task. Thanks to its compact measurements, Striker 4cv is primarily recommended for kayak or canoe fishing.
The device comes with both traditional 2D and DownVü sonars, a transducer on par with GT20-TM, a multitude of 2D sonar functions, a temperature graph, a high-sensitivity GPS, and a compact backlit display. The GPS allows you to mark up to 5,000 locations but comes without any maps or charts. Having said that, the GPS functionality should be perceived as a bonus, not as one of the unit’s primary functions.