10 Best Depth Finders 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly 7-inch color fishfinder ideal for both amateur and experienced anglers. It comes with a GT20-TM transducer that supports both Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, which helps in clearly identifying fish and structures underwater. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes further enhance visualization, making it easier to distinguish between different underwater elements.

The display is an LCD screen, providing clear and bright visuals, which are essential during fishing trips in various lighting conditions. The high-sensitivity GPS is a noteworthy feature, allowing users to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor their boat speed, adding a layer of navigational convenience. Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is beneficial for creating custom fishing maps on the spot. Another modern touch is the Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling connection to the ActiveCaptain app for software updates and waypoint transfers, making it a tech-savvy choice.

However, the device is battery-powered, which might be a drawback for extended fishing trips unless spare batteries are carried. The unit is somewhat portable with a 4.4-pound weight and dimensions of 3.4"L x 6.1"W x 7"H, although it may not be the lightest option available. The surface mount installation could be a bit tricky for beginners but is manageable. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv stands out with its comprehensive sonar capabilities and smart features, making it a valuable tool for both casual and serious fishing enthusiasts.

The Garmin Striker 7SV is a competent depth-finder with several strong features, making it a solid choice for avid anglers. One of its key strengths is the transducer that supports CHIRP traditional sonar along with CHIRP ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars. This combination offers detailed and accurate underwater views, which can greatly enhance fishing experiences. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software is another significant advantage, allowing users to create and store personalized maps with significant accuracy, up to 2 million acres.

The 7-inch WVGA color display with an 800 x 480 resolution is clear and readable even in direct sunlight, making it easy to interpret data on the water. Additionally, the built-in GPS feature lets you mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor boat speed, which adds to the convenience and utility of the device. One notable power spec is the 500 W (RMS) transmit power, which ensures strong performance in various water conditions. The onboard Wi-Fi offers connectivity to the ActiveCaptain app, allowing for smart notifications, software updates, and data sharing, which can be quite handy.

However, the maximum measuring depth of 20 meters might be seen as a limitation for those who venture into deeper waters. Portability is decent with a weight of 1.7 pounds and the device being battery-powered, but it may not be the most compact option available. The button-based interface is straightforward but might feel outdated for users accustomed to touchscreen devices. The Garmin Striker 7SV excels in sonar and mapping features, making it a valuable tool for serious fishermen, though it might fall short in depth range and interface modernity.