Garmin STRIKER 4cv

The Striker 4cv is also one of the Garmin discontinued units. It’s a ClearVü fish finder, but does not support charts like the echoMAP CHIRP 43cv, for example. It only has a basic GPS plotter. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01806-00, the one that includes the ClearVü transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 3.5″ diagonal, 480V x 320H pixel resolution, HVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP & ClearVü
• Frequency and Coverage:
  2D Sonar: 200 kHz / 15° and 77 kHz / 45°
  ClearVü: 455 kHz / 2.5° (fore to aft) x 53°, 800 kHz / 1.6° (fore to aft) x 29°
• Depth Capability:
  1,750 ft (533 m) freshwater
  830 ft (253 m) saltwater
• Transducer: CV20-TM
• Transmit power: 300 W (RMS)
• GPS: High-sensitivity, internal
• Maps: No
• Waypoints: 5,000

Sonar and transducer

The Garmin Striker 4cv offers both 2D CHIRP sonar and ClearVü. The ClearVü sonar technology is similar to the older DownVü, but the imaging provided is wider; ClearVü also includes CHIRP.

This Garmin fish finder is capable of operating at 50/77/200 kHz for its 2D traditional sonar, and at 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü. It comes with the CHIRP ClearVü transducer (CV20-TM) which is capable of using the 77/200 kHz frequencies for 2D and 455/800 kHz for Cv. This transducer is similar in capabilities with the GT20-TM model. It has a built-in temperature sensor, and the unit has Temperature Log and Temperature Graph functions which can be useful if, for example, you’re looking for currents that can be detected in the top water layer.

With the included transducer, the unit can use Mid CHIRP and High CHIRP in its 2D sonar mode and can modulate the sonar pulse on a CHIRP interval between 435-475 kHz and 800-840 kHz for Cv. This CHIRP sonar pulse modulation leads to a better target definition and separation, and also to clearer images with less clutter, aspects that considerably help with the detection of fish.

This Garmin fish finder system offers a depth capability of 1,750 ft (533 m) for freshwater and 830 ft (253 m) for saltwater; however, these are its maximum depth capabilities. Depth capacity is strictly dependent on water conditions and bottom type.

There are several useful functions available with the 2D sonar of this unit, including UltraScroll, AutoGain, A-Scope, Circular Flasher, Fish Symbols, Bottom Lock, Fish Alarms, etc. A-Scope is a vertical flasher that appears next to the 2D sonar and indicates the most recent sonar return. Fish Symbols is a function that assigns icons to targets which are interpreted as fish, also showing the depth of each target close to it.

The Circular Flasher mode is a circular depth scale, which also incorporates information regarding the targets caught by the sonar beams. The inner rings of the Flasher indicate depth, while the segments flashing on the outer rings indicate different strengths of the sonar returns. This function is great for stationary fishing or ice fishing.

Auto Gain gives you the possibility to setup the unit to automatically filter unwanted noise, while Ultrascroll allows you to scan at higher boat speeds, enabling the sonar data to scroll faster. However, even with the Ultrascroll function ON, at higher speeds, over 40-50 MPH, images will lose quality.

One last aspect to mention here is that the Striker 4cv does not offer Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind such as the echoMAP CHIRP 43cv or 45cv, for example. It also doesn’t have the QuickDraw Contours function. These are some of the reasons it’s a cheaper unit than the echoMAP 4-inch units.

Navigation features

The first aspect to mention regarding the navigation capabilities of the Garmin Striker 4cv is that it does not have any built-in charts; the unit also does not have a microSD or SD card slot, so you cannot upgrade it by adding any charts. This basically stands for all the other Garmin fish finders in the Striker series. The navigation platform is a blank sheet, on which you can mark waypoints in order to return to your hot fishing spots, boat ramps, and docks. The unit can store up to 5,000 waypoints and offers a decent palette of suggestive icons for them.

The unit is equipped with a high-sensitivity internal GPS module. Via the GPS system, it can calculate the speed of your boat. It can also show the latitude and longitude coordinates for your waypoints or your location.

Control unit features

The name of the unit, “Garmin Striker 4cv” is a bit misleading, as the unit’s display is only 3.5″ in diagonal. But nonetheless, it offers enough screen space to observe the fish targets, use the waypoint system, and even observe both 2D and ClearVü sonar simultaneously in split-screen, in a vertical manner.

The display’s pixel matrix is 480V x 320H; it’s an HVGA color display type, with integrated LED backlight for good readability in direct sunlight. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand incidental water exposure. However, if fishing in saltwater it’s best to wipe off the water droplets that may fall on it as salt may eventually damage the connectors.

This unit doesn’t feature a microSD card reader, nor NMEA connectors. However, it’s possible to transfer waypoints between this unit and any echoMAP unit, via data cable.

It comes with a tilt/swivel mount and power cable. The box does not include a unit cover, and the transducer has a transom mount.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D and ClearVü sonar;
• 77/200 kHz, ClearVü and temperature capable transducer included;
• Various sonar features such as Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Ultrascroll, Flasher etc;
• High-sensitivity GPS;
• Can save up to 5,000 waypoints;
• Can show coordinates;
• Can calculate the speed of your boat;
• IPX waterproof and LED backlight for better readability in direct sunlight;
• Easy to install;
• Affordable unit.

The Cons

• Unit cover not included;
• No microSD card reader;
• No NMEA connectivity.

Summary

The Striker 4cv is one of the most affordable fish finders with ClearVü sonar technology from Garmin. It’s also a GPS unit offering basic navigation features. It doesn’t have charts, doesn’t have an SD card reader, and cannot be upgraded with any charts, but this is one of the reasons it is considerably cheaper than the similar echoMAP CHIRP unit. This GPS and sonar combo comes with the ClearVü transducer. It’s easy to install and operate, perfect for any small boat or kayak.