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Garmin Striker 7dv Review

UPDATED Mar. 2024
Brand: Garmin
Model: Striker 7dv
Our Score: 8.0/10
Table Of Contents+
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Garmin Striker 7dv was first launched in 2016 as an upgraded version of Garmin Striker 5dv. The two fish finders are quite similar, with 7dv sporting a 2” wider display.

7dv features two model numbers, including 010-01553-00 and 010-01553-01, which has caused a lot of confusion among potential users. However, the only difference between the two models lies in their targeted market; -00 has English and –01 multilingual documentation.

Keep reading this Garmin Striker 7dv review to learn everything about this fish finder and find out more about the company’s Striker Series.

Garmin Striker 7dv with map

Pros & Cons

Pros
    • 2D and DownVü CHIRP sonars  
    • Dual frequency mode for 2D sonar beams 
    • GT20-TM transducer with a temperature sensor 
    • High-sensitivity GPS 
    • Tilt mount included 
    • 480p WVGA display with an adjustable backlight 
Cons
    • No pre-loaded maps 
    • No sonar recording 
    • No microSD card reader or NMEA outs

Specifications

SpecificationsGarmin Striker 7dv
TypeDown Imaging
SonarDual Frequency 2D CHIRP, CHIRP DownVü
TransducerGT20-TM (4-pin), for HD-ID and DownVü
Display (size, resolution, backlit, color)3.6'' x 6'' (9.1 x 15.2 cm); 7'' diag (12.7 cm) ; 800 x 480 pixels ; WVGA color
Dimensions9.3'' x 5.5'' x 2.3'' (23.5 x 14 x 5.8 cm)
Weight24 oz (680 g)
Batteriesxxx
Depth Capability2,300 ft freshwater*, 1,100 ft saltwater
FrequencyTraditional: 50/77/200 kHz CHIRP (mid and high) ClearVü: 260/455/800 kHz
Power Output500 Watts (RMS)
Power InputCurrent draw @ 12V: 0.55A
GPSinternal
MapsNo
Routes, Waypoints, Tracks5000 points
WaterproofIPX7
Wi-Fi ConnectivityNo
MicroSD card slotNo

Display/Screen

Garmin Striker 7dv features a pretty compact casing compared to its EchoMAP counterparts, which makes it a better solution for outdoor usage. Its water-resistance rating is IP-X7, so rain, splashes, and accidental submersion in 3.3’ of water for up to 30 minutes should not harm the unit. However, the “X” in the rating means it has not been tested against the entry of solid objects like dust, for example. 

Garmin Striker 7dv with sonar on display

Striker 7dv has a 7” WVGA color display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which corresponds to the 480p standard with an aspect ratio of 5:3. The screen measures 9.3” x 5.5” x 2.3”. WVGA (Wide Video Graphics Array) has the same height as VGA (480 pixels) but is wider than 640.

The device allows you to use up to 3 separate panels in the split-screen mode and the added size of the display makes the sonar and GPS much easier to observe. The display also features an adjustable backlight, which keeps it bright even in direct sunlight.

Sonar & Transducer

The Striker Series is famous for its CHIRP technology on both implemented sonars (standard 2D and DownVü), which means every pulse released by the sonar covers a wide range of frequencies instead of using just one. This does not just provide you with better depth penetration (2,300ft freshwater; 1,100ft saltwater) and target definition but also rids the screen of excess clutter (the AutoGain tech).

The 7dv unit comes with the GT20-TM transducer with a 4-pin connector. The transducer covers the ranges of 77/200 kHz for 2D and 455/800 kHz for dv. It comes with a temperature sensor, transom mount, and 20ft of cable.
The official Garmin Striker dv specification states that the unit can also hit 50 kHz for 2D and 260 kHz for dv, but you will only be able to reach these lower frequencies if you upgrade the transducer to GT22 or GT23 (each sold separately).

Garmin Striker 7dv side view

The implemented GT20-TM transducer utilizes cylindrical beams for the traditional 2D sonar angled at 45° for 77 kHz and 15° for 455 kHz. Although the 77 kHz frequency is better for wider sweeps and the 455 kHz frequency for focusing on a specific target, the fact that Striker 7dv is a dual-frequency device means that you can use them both at the same time and observe the imaging in split screen. The 2D sonar also comes with numerous additional functions, including Fish Symbols, Circular Flasher, A-Scope, and Bottom Lock.

On the other hand, the transducer uses thin fan-shaped beams for DownVü angled at 2.5° fore to aft and 53° side to side for 455 kHz and 1.4° fore to aft and 32° side to side for 800 kHz.

Navigation

Garmin Striker 7dv comes with a high-sensitivity GPS, but it does not feature any maps. The unit is not compatible with any charts and it does not have a card reader.

On the other hand, the GPS does not only allow you to measure the overall speed of your vessel but also determine your current coordinates and locate potential POIs. Speaking of places of interest, the device enables you to save up to 5,000 waypoints with very expressive icons and record your current route for safer backtracking. You can also share your saved data with other Striker or echoMAP chartplotter combos.

Apart from marking potential fishing hotspots, the implemented GPS allows you to mark boat ramps and docks as well as distinct landmarks in the area like stumps and brush piles. Finally, if your orientation skills are not great, the GPS is an excellent tool to help you navigate your way back to the dock.

Networking

As we already mentioned in this Garmin Striker 7dv review, the unit can share its recordings and saved data with other Striker or echoMAP chartplotter combos. Since the device DOES NOT come with preloaded maps and charts, it has very little use for Garmin apps primarily designed for chartplotter devices. Additionally, Striker 7dv does not come with a card reader, which means you cannot use U.S. LakeVü HD to load HD maps onto your device. On top of that, it also comes without any NMEA outs.

What's In The Box

    • STRIKER 7dv
    • GT20-TM transducer
    • Transom and trolling motor mounts
    • Power cable
    • Tilt mount
    • 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.

Model
Type
Sonar
Transducer
Display
Price
Garmin Striker 5dv reviewGarmin Striker 5dvRead Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
Dual-Frequency, Dual-Beam with Traditional, CHIRP, and ClearVü functionalities
Transducer
4-pin GT20-TM
Display
5" diagonal, 800 x 400 pixel matrix, adjustable backlight, WVGA Color
Price
Garmin Striker 4cv ReviewGarmin Striker 4cv Read Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
2D CHIRP & ClearVü
Transducer
CV20-TM
Display
1.9'' x 2.9'' (4.9 x 7.3 cm); 3.5'' diag, (8.7 cm), 480 x 320 pixels, HVGA color
Price
Garmin Striker 7dv ReviewGarmin Striker 7dv Read Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
Dual Frequency 2D CHIRP, CHIRP DownVü
Transducer
GT20-TM (4-pin), for HD-ID and DownVü
Display
3.6'' x 6'' (9.1 x 15.2 cm); 7'' diag (12.7 cm) ; 800 x 480 pixels ; WVGA color
Price
Garmin Striker 7sv ReviewGarmin Striker 7svRead Review
Type
Down Imaging and Side Imaging
Sonar
High Wide Traditional CHIRP, CHIRP DownVü, CHIRP SideVü
Transducer
GT52HW-TM (12-pin)
Display
7'' diagonal (12.7 cm), 3.6'' x 6'' (9.1 x 15.2 cm), 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, LED backlight
Price
Garmin Striker 4 reviewGarmin Striker 4 Read Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
Dual Frequency CHIRP
Transducer
CHIRP 77/200 kHz
Display
3.5'' diagonal (1.9''x2.9''), 480H x 320V pixel resolution, HVGA color, backlit
Price

Verdict

Garmin Striker 7dv is an excellent choice for freshwater anglers and it can also be used for off-shore fishing thanks to its decent depth penetration. It can be used on any bass boat, but it is not recommended for kayak fishing due to its larger size.

The unit features both traditional 2D and DownVü sonars, the GT20-TM transducer, numerous 2D sonar functions, a high-sensitivity GPS, a temperature graph, and a high-quality 480p display. It also allows you to save up to 5,000 waypoints for easier navigation. The GPS, however, comes without any maps and charts, so Striker 7dv is not ideal for anglers looking for optimal navigation features.

Our score: 8.0/10