Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv 5-inch color fishfinder
Quick take
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is a compact, 5-inch color fishfinder that pairs a clear on-screen view with GPS waypoint tools and built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping. It’s a strong fit for anglers who want easy setup and quick interpretation of what’s under the water, especially if you plan to use Garmin CHIRP (traditional) and CHIRP ClearVü (scanning) features with compatible transducers. The main buying caveat to watch for is occasional night-mode behavior that can make daytime reading harder until the display corrects.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 5-inch color LCD with vivid scanning sonar color palettes designed to make fish and structure easier to distinguish
- Garmin CHIRP support, including CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar (requires compatible transducer)
- High-sensitivity GPS features for marking waypoints, creating routes, and viewing boat speed
- Built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping with 1-foot contours for creating and saving maps
Cons
- Some users report the unit can start in night mode during the day, which reduces sunlight readability until it switches back
- CHIRP ClearVü scanning depends on using a compatible transducer, so advanced scanning capability may not match every setup
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is broadly positive around usability. Multiple reviewers describe the Striker Vivid 5cv as easy to set up and easier to understand than older fishfinding units they used. Common themes include reliable depth readings and practical onboard info like speed (MPH), water temperature, and battery voltage. People also mention good performance on small boats, including kayaks, and they highlight the value of being able to navigate local waterways with GPS and mapping features. One readability-related complaint appears in the form of occasional night-mode behavior during daylight use, though it is described as temporary.
Garmin striker vivid 5cv overview
The Striker Vivid 5cv is built around a simple goal: help you quickly see fish and structure, then make practical use of that information on the water. Its 5-inch color screen is large enough for in-session interpretation, and the sonar experience is shaped by Garmin’s vivid scanning sonar color palettes, intended to improve how easily you can separate meaningful features from background clutter.
Alongside sonar, the unit brings navigation tools for anglers who want more than just depth. It includes high-sensitivity GPS capabilities, waypoint marking, route planning, and boat speed display. It also includes built-in Quickdraw Contours so you can create and save maps using 1-foot contours.
Sonar performance and what the color palettes change
This model is designed for recognizable, fast-to-read results. Instead of forcing you to interpret subtle grayscale returns, the system uses vivid color palette options intended to make fish and structure easier to spot. That can matter when you are moving between spots or trying to identify bottom composition, cover, and active targets quickly.
It also supports Garmin CHIRP technologies. You get support for CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, with the important caveat that CHIRP ClearVü scanning requires a compatible transducer. In other words, this fishfinder can be a capable sonar hub, but your overall performance level depends on your transducer and setup.
GPS, mapping, and on-water usefulness
If you fish familiar waters, waypoints are still valuable for returning to hot spots, and the GPS features help you turn sonar discoveries into repeatable trips. The unit supports waypoint marking and routing, plus it displays boat speed, which adds helpful context when you’re adjusting your boat position to read a swing in depth or cover.
For mapping, Quickdraw Contours is the standout onboard feature. With built-in mapping and 1-foot contours, you can create and save localized maps tied to your fishing areas, without needing to rely only on preloaded charts.
Setup and day-to-day usability
Reviewers tend to describe this unit as easy to set up and straightforward to understand. That matters if you are moving from a simpler depth sounder to a color fishfinder with more settings, or if you want to spend more time fishing instead of menu-diving.
One practical note for real-world use: at least one recurring theme relates to readability, where the display can start in night mode even in daytime conditions. Users report it usually corrects itself after a few minutes, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you expect consistently strong sunlight visibility right out of the gate.
Pros and cons recap
- Buy it if: you want a user-friendly 5-inch color fishfinder with vivid sonar presentation, GPS waypoint tools, and built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping.
- Skip it or double-check fit if: you mainly care about maximum scanning capability and do not plan to use a compatible transducer for CHIRP ClearVü.
- Watch-outs: if you frequently fish in bright sun, be mindful of the reported occasional night-mode behavior at startup (temporary, but potentially annoying while you’re trying to dial in).
Price and availability
The current price can change, and availability may be limited. If you are ready to buy, compare the latest listing price and stock status before committing.
Who this is best for
Best for weekend anglers and small-boat setups
This is a practical choice for anglers who want meaningful sonar visuals without a complicated learning curve. The GPS and mapping features add value if you fish multiple spots, want to return to waypoints, or like creating your own local map coverage.
Good for people who want vivid, color-based sonar cues
If you have ever struggled to interpret what you are seeing on a less-contrast screen, the vivid palette approach is designed to make fish and structure easier to distinguish.
Alternatives to consider
If you are comparing options, use these criteria rather than focusing only on screen size or brand. For example, you may want a different model if you prioritize (1) larger displays for more detailed split-screen work, (2) different mapping ecosystems, or (3) a system built around the transducer you already plan to use (especially for CHIRP ClearVü scanning).
As always, confirm transducer compatibility for the sonar modes you care about, and match the display size to your boat type and typical viewing angles.
FAQ
Is the garmin striker vivid 5cv easy to use?
Multiple reviewers describe it as easy to set up and easier to understand than some prior fishfinding units. Its 5-inch color screen and sonar presentation are designed to be readable during active fishing.
Does it support CHIRP sonar and scanning?
It supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, but CHIRP ClearVü scanning requires a compatible transducer.
Does it include GPS and mapping?
Yes. It includes high-sensitivity GPS features for marking waypoints, creating routes, and viewing boat speed. It also includes built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping with 1-foot contours so you can create and save maps.
How readable is the screen in daylight?
Most buyer comments are positive, but there is at least one reported issue where the unit may start in night mode during the day, making it harder to read in sunlight until it corrects itself after a few minutes.
Will this work on a kayak or small boat?
Reviewers specifically mention using it on a kayak, and it is designed for marine fishfinding applications with a compact 5-inch display and included mounting hardware.
What comes in the box?
The included components list includes the Striker Vivid 5cv fishfinder, a GT20-TM transducer, power/data cable, tilt/swivel mount, hardware, and documentation.
Specifications
| Product Title | Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Fish Finders & Depth Finders |
| Brand | Garmin |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Model Name | Striker Vivid 5cv |
| Model Number | 010-02551-00 |
| Item Weight | 3.8 Pounds |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Display Size | 5 Inches |
| Display | LCD |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2.6"L x 4.3"W x 5"H |
| Brand Name | Garmin |
| UPC | 753759268336 753759268312 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00753759268312 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 010-02551-00 |
| Included Components | STRIKER Vivid 5cv fishfinder; GT20-TM transducer; Power/data cable; Tilt/swivel mount; Hardware; Garmin bumper sticker; Documentation |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 2 year limited warranty |
| Item Type Name | Fish Finder |
| Screen Size | 5 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
Available variants
Pattern Name
- Transducer
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