Garmin Striker Plus 5 Ice Bundle

The Garmin Striker Plus 5 Ice Bundle basically includes the same Garmin Striker Plus 5cv unit. However, it comes with an ice transducer and the portable kit with battery and charger. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01872-20.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, ClearVü capable
• Frequency: 150-240 kHz
• Coverage: 24°-16°
• Depth Capability: 800 ft (244 m)
• Transducer: GT8HW-IF
• Transmit power: 500 W (RMS)
• GPS: Internal
• Charts: No
• Waypoints: 5,000
• Portable kit included

Sonar and transducer

The Garmin Striker Plus 5 unit is capable of several 2D frequencies, including 50/77/200 kHz and also supports High CHIRP and Mid-Range CHIRP. Evidently, since it’s an ice fishing bundle, it includes the ice transducer the GT8HW-IF. This transducer is equipped with 8 ft (2.4 m) of cable, a foam floater for stability, and has a 4-pin connector. It does not have a temperature sensor, though.

The GT8HW-IF is a High Wide CHIRP transducer capable of a frequency interval of 150-240 kHz. It offers a coverage between 24° and 16° and a depth capability of 800 ft (244 m) in freshwater. For saltwater, its depth capability isn’t specified but should be considerably less.

Since it’s an ice fishing fish finder, it has the Circular Flasher application which shows the sonar information on a circular depth scale. The current depth is displayed in the center, but you can also have other readings on the flasher page, such as water temperature, clock, or battery voltage.

The segments displayed on the outer ring of the flasher indicate different strengths of the sonar return. For example, the bottom, or basically any strong signal is displayed red, while the weaker signals such as small fish or your jig, appear as thin green lines. Evidently, you will be able to see your jig as a thin green line descending from the right side of the ring.

The unit also has the classes 2D sonar view, which you can see in split-screen with the flasher. Also, since the unit included with this bundle is the Striker Plus 5cv, it’s capable of ClearVü sonar. But in order to use the ClearVü mode, you will need a ClearVü capable transducer, such as the GT22 or GT23 (which are sold separately).

Navigation features

The unit is equipped with an internal GPS plotter but does not have any built-in charts, nor it can be upgraded with any charts. Therefore, you can mark your waypoints with their coordinates on a blank sheet. You can save up to 5,000 points within the unit’s memory. It also has a track plotting function which allows you to record your trail.

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit does not have any charts, and cannot be upgraded with LakeVü or BlueChart g2 charts. But does have the Quickdraw Contours function.

Quickdraw Contours uses the sonar and GPS data allowing you to create maps with 1′ contours and depth labels for any body of water. It’s estimated that you can record up to 1,500 hours of map data into the device. A Depth Range Shading function is available for the unit’s Quickdraw Contours. This function specifies the upper and lower limits of a depth range, and also lets you color code that depth range.

Control unit and accessories

The Garmin Striker Plus 5 Ice Bundle includes the portable fishing kit, which consists of a bag with handle and a mount for the unit, a rechargeable battery and a charger for this battery. Evidently, the carrying case can hold the unit and the battery, just as for the Humminbird ICE HELIX 5, or the Vexilar FL-18 Pro Pack II. This being said, it can also be a good choice for a kayak fish finder.

The control unit features a 5″ diagonal display, WVGA color, with a pixel resolution of 800 x 480. It has adjustable LED backlight for a clear visibility even in direct sunlight. It’s also IPX7 waterproof.

The unit is keypad operated. It does not have touchscreen technology. Its interface is very intuitive and straightforward. It also offers the possibility to view up to three applications per view.

The unit is not networkable. It does not have Ethernet or NMEA ports. It also does not have a microSD or SD card reader.

The Pros

• High Wide CHIRP sonar;
• Mid-range CHIRP and ClearVü capable;
• GT8HW-IF ice transducer included;
• Various sonar features such as Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Ultrascroll, Flasher, Bottom Lock etc;
• GPS plotter;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Depth Range Shading;
• Can save up to 5,000 waypoints;
• Can show coordinates;
• Can calculate the speed of your boat;
• IPX7 waterproof and LED backlight for better readability in direct sunlight;
• Portable case with mount for the unit is included;
• Battery included;
• Charger included;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• No microSD card reader;
• Not networkable.

Summary

The Garmin Striker Plus 5 Ice Bundle is an ice fishing pack which includes the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv unit, an ice transducer, and the carrying case with the battery and charger. The unit has built-in High and Mid-Range CHIRP sonar, and also ClearVü. However, the ice transducer does not support ClearVü. It also has a basic GPS system and the Quickdraw Contours feature. In all, it’s versatile and inclusive ice fishing kit, offering an excellent value for the price.