Garmin has released the Striker Plus series of fishfinders, with improved sonar technology and a new set of features that enable anglers to catch more fish, yet just as easy to use as the original Striker series.
The Striker Plus 7cv introduces built-in GPS, Quickdraw Contours mapping, and wireless connectivity to a new generation of anglers, but those using the previous series can still upgrade to Plus technology. With a large, bright display and easy-to-follow menus, even people new to fishfinders will find the 7cv simple and fun to use.
Display
The high-def screen features bright, crisp WGVA color. The Striker Plus 7cv provides split screen zoom and an anti-glare lens for clear views even in bright sun. A simple, intuitive menu makes it easy for anyone to track boat speed in wake-controlled waters, mark waypoints, and access a range of other features. You’ll be able to track your lure and see every fish that approaches.
Features
Some of the useful features in the 7cv include AutoGain, A-scope, CHIRP, Bottom Lock, Ultrasroll, Flasher for tracking your jig while stationary fishing, and course over ground. One of the strongest features us Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours mapping that lets you create your own maps of lake bottoms. Nobody knows your favorite fishing waters better than you do, and now you can easily create high-def maps to store the information and plot your next trip.
The Quickdraw software makes it easy to create and save up to 2 million acres in maps at 1-foot contour intervals. When Quickdraw Contours is activated, you’ll immediately begin seeing contour maps generated on-screen as the boat moves from one point to the next. Labels are automatically applied. There’s no need to access the internet or buy other Garmin devices. Maps are made quickly and smoothly right in the 7cv fishfinder. You can follow them in real-time, create them in the background, and store and play them back later for review. In review, you’ll be able to spot gaps to identify areas you need for a complete overview of depth information.
Sonar
Like the original STRIKER series, the Plus version offers the traditional CHIRP sonar along with dual beam CHIRP ClearVu scanning. SideVu is not part of the 7cv package. Instead of a single frequency, the Plus CTM-20 sonar sends out a constant sweep of low-to-high frequencies to provide you the clearest images. This affords a near-photo quality image of everything below your boat. You can see very clear fish arches with excellent target separation. The transducer includes a built-in water temperature sensor.
Wi-Fi
The 7cv also includes an interface for connectivity with your wireless devices. Built in Wi-Fi also lets take advantage of Garmin’s free ActiveCaptain app that lets you connect quickly and reliably to any compatible smartphone or tablet and to a second Striker Plus device, including the echoMap Plus series. You’ll be able to share or backup your waypoints and routes. ActiveCaptain allows you to receive on-screen alerts via calls and text, and connect to the Quickdraw Contours online community. There you can download other community user data such as custom maps, and enjoy fast, easy software upgrades. You won’t get this wireless capability with the smaller 5cv Plus.
GPS
A high-sensitivity GPS system is built into the Plus series. You get position updates once per second. This allows you mark favorite fishing spots, submerged objects, structures, and other water features on the go so you avoid or return to them later. You can adjust your trolling speed for optimal precision and enhance your lure presentation to fish you encounter.
The 7cv would have benefited from a more sophisticated transducers, but you can always upgrade to a CV22HW-TM or CV23M-TM transducer. It does not come with preloaded maps, nor does it have a microSD slot to upgrade software or store additional data. It also doesn’t allow to store and review screenshots.
Apart from these limitations, which may not be necessary to you when connected to ActiveCaptain, the STRIKER Plus 7cv is another quality fishfinder from Garmin. The Plus is not a dramatic change from the prior STRIKER series, but the upgrades to software and performance are definitely there. For its affordable price, the Plus 7cv is a rugged and highly functional fishfinder. Even if you have limited experience with these devices, it won’t take long before your Plus 7cv is helping you to locate more fish than ever before. With its mapping features, it will also guide you right back to your favorite spots to catch fish over and over again.
| Lowrance Hook 7 | Garmin Striker Plus 7cv | Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Screen Size | 7 in | 7 in | 7 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels | 800 x 640 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color, Full VGA SolarMax PlusTFT | WVGA color | WVGA |
| Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W RMS 30,000W Peak to Peak analog equivalent | 500 W (RMS) 4,000 W (peak to peak) | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 455/800 kHz Down Imaging, Low, Med, High (CHIRP), 50 kHz/83kHz/200kHz (Narrow Band) | Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz ClearVü: 260/455/800 kHz | 200 kHz Sonar/350 kHz Down Vision |
| Maximum Depth | Down Imaging: 300 ft CHIRP Sonar High Range/200 kHz: 1,000 ft CHIRP Sonar Med Range/83 kHz: 1000 ft CHIRP Sonar Low Range/50 kHz: 3,000 ft | 2,300 ft at 77 kHz freshwater 1,100 ft at 77 kHz, saltwater | 600 ft in both DownVision and Sonar modes |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS | Internal | Internal |
| MSRP | $599 | $399 | $599 |
 | | |
|
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |