Garmin Striker 7DV Review

The unique features of the Garmin Striker 7DV 

DISPLAY:

Garmin Striker 7Dv has a 7-inch WVGA (Wide Video Graphics Array) colour display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels with an aspect ratio of 5:3. The wide display and high resolution make it comfortable to be viewed in sunny outdoors as well.

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.

It allows for easier observation of GPS and SONAR as it allows to dis play up to 3 panels at a time, making the reading of both much more comfortable. It also comes with adjustable backlight.

TRANSDUCER AND SONAR

The Garmin Striker 7Dv comes with the famous CHIRP technology implemented both standard 2D and DownVu SONAR which covers a wide range of frequencies instead of using only one ranging from low to high, then interprets them individually upon their return which in turn improves the depth to which the beam penetrates that is 2,300 ft for freshwater and 1100 ft for saltwater.

This device comes with a GT20-TM transducer which covers a range of 77/200 kHz for 2D and 455/800 kHz for dv. It also includes a temperature sensor, tilt/swivel mount plus transom and 20 ft 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).

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.
Garmin ClearVü scanning sonar gives you a nearly photographic image of what passes 750 feet below your boat

NAVIGATION AND MARKING WAYPOINTS

One of the unique features of Gramin Striker 7dv is its ability to determine the current location coordinates with its highly-precise GPS navigation system and the capacity to store up to 5000 waypoints along the course of your fishing. In addition to helping locate potential Place of Interests, one can share the saved data with another Striker or echoMAP chartplotter combos.

This device does not come with any in-built maps or charts and does not support a card reader.

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.

SPEED DISPLAY

The device displays the speed on screen which notifies the speed of your boat and if the speed of the lure is adequate for the particular species of fish. It’s

also a good way to tell if you are going the right speed in wake-controlled areas.

 PORTABLE

The Garmin Striker 7Dv is compact and portable so it’s perfect for kayak, canoe or ice fishing. It includes a sealed, rechargeable battery with charger, built-in transducer cable management and storage and suction cup transducer mount and float.

NETWORKING

As already mentioned the Garmin Striker 7dv can share its recordings and saved data with other Striker or echoMAP chartplotter combos. The device does not come with preloaded maps and charts. Also doesn’t come with a card reader and NMEA outs.