Garmin Striker 5dv Review
The Garmin Striker series was launched in 2016 to provide fishers with budget-friendly fish finder/GPS combos without any chartplotters or maps. Garmin Striker 5dv is somewhat similar to echoMAP 53dv, but it has a better sonar equipped with the CHIRP technology. Its price is low, but it does not feature a plotter, microSD reader, and NMEA port, unlike its echoMAP counterpart.
Read this detailed Garmin Striker 5dv review to find out more about this model and check if it fits your personal fishing requirements.
Pros & Cons
- Dual frequency sonar
- 2D CHIRP (Mid and High)
- CHIRP DownVü
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver
- Numerous 2D sonar functions
- GT20-TM transducer
- Up to 5,000 waypoints
- Can share info with echoMAP units
- Adjustable backlight
- Limited connectivity options
- Incompatible with maps and charts
Specifications
| Specifications | Garmin Striker 5dv |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging |
| Sonar | Dual-Frequency, Dual-Beam with Traditional, CHIRP, and ClearVü functionalities |
| Transducer | 4-pin GT20-TM |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 5" diagonal, 800 x 400 pixel matrix, adjustable backlight, WVGA Color |
| Dimensions | 7.4'' x 4.5'' x 2.1'' (18.8 x 11.6 x 5.4 cm) |
| Weight | 15.2oz (430g) |
| Batteries | Not Specified |
| Depth Capability | - 1,900ft for 2D - 750ft for DownVü |
| Frequency | The Main Unit: - 50/77/200 kHz for 2D - 260/455/800 kHz for DownVü The Transducer: - 77/200 kHz for 2D - 455/800 kHz for DownVü |
| Power Output | 500W (RMS) |
| Power Input | 12V |
| GPS | Internal |
| Maps | No |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | 5,000 Waypoints |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No |
| MicroSD card slot | No |
Display/Screen
Compared to the aforementioned echoMAP 53dv, Striker 5dv comes with a more compact design primarily intended for heavy outdoor use. The 5” display features a pixel matrix of 800 x 480 that allows you to use the provided split-screen feature rather comfortably. You can display up to 3 different panels at the same time. The screen also features an adjustable backlight, which enables you to observe readings without any problems even in direct sunlight.
The IP-X7 waterproof rating for this unit means that it can handle accidental splashes, heavy rain, and even full immersion in 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. Having said that, the unit has not been tested against outside solid objects like dirt and dust.
Sonar & Transducer
As stated, Garmin Striker 5dv was designed to provide users with potent sonar capabilities at the cost of chartplotting, maps & chart packages, and connectivity options.
The unit itself can cover 50/77/200 kHz for 2D imaging and 260/455/800 kHz for DownVü. It comes with the 4-pin GT20-TM transducer that covers 77/200 kHz for 2D imaging and 455/800 kHz for DownVü. You get a transom mount and 20ft of power cord for the transducer. The CHIPR tech can only utilize Mid and High CHIRP when it comes to 2D, but you can also use CHIRP for DownVü, which is a huge advantage over similar units that only use CHIRP for 2D scanning.
In the 2D CHIP mode, the provided transducer utilizes two different conical beams, one at 15° for 200 kHz and the other at 45° for 77 kHz. The first option offers less penetration but provides more details while the second can go deeper but with fewer details. 2D CHIRP is ideal for locating fish targets since it offers much better separation than your regular 2D imaging.
On the other hand, you should use DownVü when you are trying to observe the overall shape of the bottom or the vegetation and underwater structures underneath your vessel. Since Striker 5dv actually uses CHIRP for DownVü scanning, you can except an almost photo-like quality.
The traditional 2D sonar features include Circular Flasher, A-Scope, Fish Symbols, Split Zoom, BottomLock, and several alarms.
The max depth of the unit is 1,900ft for 2D and 750ft for DownVü. Its reach can be significantly extended if you upgrade the unit with one of the transducers recommended on the official website (GT22 or GT23).
Navigation
As we already mentioned in this Garmin Striker 5dv review, the unit comes with a high-sensitivity built-in GPS receiver that keeps track of your current coordinates and measures the speed of your vessel. You can also store up to 5,000 waypoints to indicate favorite hotspots, important landmarks, and other points of interest. Like other Striker units, 5dv cannot use any maps and chart packages. It comes with a blank GPS system, so it is up to you to make your own maps. Fortunately, you can use a data cable to connect your 5dv with echoMAP units and transfer the maps you created in the past or those made by other fishers.
Networking
Garmin Striker 5dv does not offer a lot in terms of connectivity options. As already stated, it does not come with a microSD reader or any NMEA ports. Needless to say, it does not support Ethernet or Bluetooth connectivity options. On the other hand, it can communicate with echoMAP units via a data cable.
What's In The Box
- STRIKER 5dv
- GT20-TM 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.
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Garmin Striker 4 Read ReviewVerdict
Garmin Striker 5dv is a budget-friendly unit that comes with a very powerful sonar at the cost of chartplotting and navigation options. It is an ideal choice for freshwater fishing but can also serve you rather well in coastal waters. It is a very compact unit, which makes it an excellent choice for kayaks, canoes, small fishing boats, and even ice fishing.
Bottom line, if you are looking for a fish finder with an excellent sonar and some basic GPS functionality, Garmin Striker 5dv is the perfect choice for you. It is also a nice addition to your fishing arsenal if you already have a dedicated chartplotting unit.