Garmin Striker Plus 7cv VS 7sv – Complete GPS Comparison

Garmin Striker Plus 7cv VS 7sv - Complete GPS Comparaison

Garmin has two fishfinders in its lineup that seem very similar to each other, the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and the Garmin Striker Plus 7sv. Which one should you get? Let’s compare them (Garmin Striker Plus 7cv VS 7sv).

I have attached an image of both units for reference. Keep in mind that this review is specific to these two units, and not applicable to other models in the Striker series.

The Main Differences Between These Two Fishfinder

#1 Display at an angle – Advantage: Garmin Striker Plus 7cv

The display on the 7SV is much harder to read when you tilt the screen. In fact, at around 80 degrees from vertical, it becomes almost completely unreadable. The larger footprint of the 7cv helps here, because it has a bigger screen, but also that the angle is easier to read.

#2 Sonar side-by-side

Both units have 200 kHz/ 200 Hz transducers with dual beam technology. The Garmin striker plus 7cv review adds DownVü scanning which provides better target separation in deep water. I don’t expect this difference to make a big difference in performance, partly because the display on the 7cv is not as good as it could be for DownVü scanning.

#3 Depth capabilities

Both units can show bottom depth and chart (and sonar) depth to their maximum depth capability, which is 10 feet (the standard accuracy of the DownVü scanning). Both units have a maximum depth of 1,600 feet.

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#4 Speed/Temperature

Both units can display speed and temperature data to the two locations that you define. The 7cv adds the option of viewing the speed data to four locations that you define, which is nice if you want to monitor more than 2 spots at a time.

Both units have a speed range of 0.1-200 MPH when in Knots with a 2D blue view. The 7cv also has the option to display speed with 1/10th increments, up to 999 MPH! In addition, both units can show speed and temperature data in Celsius or Fahrenheit scales.

#5 Bottom Lock

Garmin Striker Plus 7Cv with Cv20-TM transducerBoth units have a bottom lock to allow you to mark your location in the water, preventing the display from moving up or down. The 7sv adds a bottom lock preset which allows you to save your favorite “bottom” location for easy reference when fishing. This is something that I find very useful!

I also like that you can customize both bottom lock options. For the 7sv, I use a small green dot for the bottom lock to make it easier to see from a distance. With the 7cv, I have configured my bottom lock as a red X to make it stand out more clearly on my map.

Once the bottom lock is activated, you can press down on the directional pad to switch between viewing the map, sonar screen (with or without fish symbols), and bottom lock. While I find that it is very easy to use this feature on the 7sv, I find that it is more difficult to use with the 7cv due to how you have to press down on the button before using it.

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#6 Sonar

Both units have 800 watts of sonar power, but the 7cv has DualBeam Plus which provides better target separation in deep water. This is not a huge difference, because the sonar screen on the 7sv tends to be very cluttered with lots of targets shown at once… it’s hard to see much of anything.Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7 GPS Fishfinder

#7 Waterproof Rating

Both units are “IPX7” which means that there should be no problem with fishing in saltwater (or freshwater for that matter). That said, the 7cv is rated as IPX8 (the 8 stands for corrosion resistance), which provides an extra level of protection against saltwater and other corrosives.

#8 StructureScan HD/DownVü/SideVü Views

Both units have the standard structure scan view which shows where all of the targets are in relation to your boat. This is not so useful when you are on the move, but it’s helpful for locating places to target where there are concentrations of fish or structures.

Both units also have the SideVü view, which is nice if you are planning to fish something like an oil rig where the orientation of the structure makes it difficult to orient yourself visually with just one sonar beam. This feature is only available on certain models of Garmin Striker Plus sonar products (like the 7cv).

Both units can also show DownVü scanning, which is essentially a second sonar beam that looks straight down. This provides better target separation in deep water and allows you to see fish or structures much deeper than the normal 500-foot maximum depth of these units. Keep in mind though, if your boat is moving and you want to look at something specific, the DownVü view will only show more targets as you get closer to them… so if you want to have a more precise idea of where things are located, it is better to use the standard 800-watt sonar beam or StructureScan HD with these units.

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#9 Manual TrackBack

Both units have manual trackback, which allows you to go back and review the path that you just took. This is helpful because it can show you things that you might have missed while fishing. I find this feature very easy to use with the 7sv, but the 7cv requires a few more steps to activate.

#10 StructureTrack/Channel Markers

Both units can mark key locations on the map as you navigate (e.g., a dock, a bridge, or a channel marker). This is helpful because my memory isn’t always the best… so if I have something marked on my map, I will probably remember where it is even if I don’t remember exactly what it was called.

#11 Image Saver

Both units can take still photos while using StructureScan HD, DownVü, or SideVü. I really like this feature because it allows me to share interesting things that I see with other people while out fishing.

#12 Waypoints/Routes/Points of Interest

Both units have the ability to create a “route” using waypoints. This is helpful because you can put in the coordinates of places that you want to fish… and then have your sonar unit guide you to these locations. Both units allow 100 waypoints at a time, which is more than enough for most fishermen.

Garmin allows you to connect your phone or tablet to the unit via USB, and they allow you to save your waypoints, routes, or points of interest (POI) to these devices. This can be helpful because then you don’t have to store them on the small memory card that comes with the sonar unit itself.

#13 Frequency

They both use “chirp” sonar, which means that you can change the frequency of the sonar beam with these units. This is important because different frequencies are better at seeing certain features.

Both units have a default “High CHIRP” setting which is best for most users. The 7cv also has a “Dual Frequency CHIRP” option that allows you to switch between 200 kHz and 77 kHz. I know some people swear by this feature, but I don’t think it’s all that useful because it doesn’t provide much more detail than the high CHIRP setting.

#14 Bottom Lock

They both have bottom locks (with adjustable sensitivity) which makes it easier to target fish that are close to the bottom. This is helpful because you can see what’s underneath your boat much better… and this gives you a much better sense of the structure that is surrounding your surroundings.

Both units are capable of showing depth range rings on their screens, which are useful for getting an idea of how deep or shallow an area might be around objects like piers, bridges, or other types of structures.

#15 Bluetooth

The Garmin Striker Plus 7sv has Bluetooth connectivity, while the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv does not. This means that you can connect the Striker Plus 7sv to a compatible wireless transducer, such as the Garmin GT54HW-TM. This can be useful if you want to avoid having to run wires from the transducer to the fish finder.

You can also use the Bluetooth connectivity on the Striker Plus 7sv to connect to the Garmin Explore app on your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to view your maps and sonar images on a larger screen, and to share them with others.

Here is a table that compares the Bluetooth connectivity of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
Bluetooth connectivityNoYes

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#16 Sonar Unit Size

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have the same sonar unit size. They both use the GT52HW-TM transducer, which is a transom-mount transducer with a wide conical beam for traditional sonar and narrow beams for ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar.

The GT52HW-TM transducer is 4.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 1.75 inches high. It weighs 1.1 pounds.

Here is a table that compares the sonar unit size of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
TransducerGT52HW-TMGT52HW-TM
Length4.5 inches4.5 inches
Width2.5 inches2.5 inches
Height1.75 inches1.75 inches
Weight1.1 pounds1.1 pounds

#17 Size and Weight Comparisons between Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have the same physical dimensions and weight. They are both 10.6 inches long, 6.2 inches wide, and 2.6 inches high. They both weigh 1.7 pounds.

Here is a table that compares the size and weight of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
Length10.6 inches10.6 inches
Width6.2 inches6.2 inches
Height2.6 inches2.6 inches
Weight1.7 pounds1.7 pounds

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#19 Fees/Updates

The one thing that I don’t like about the Garmin 7cv is that you have to pay $5 per month for their “Navionics” update service, which has added fees for using it on your iPhone or Android phone. You can pay for this service upfront and then they will give you 12 months of updates for free.

There are no fees associated with using either the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv or 7sv. Garmin offers free software updates for both units. However, you may need to pay for a data plan if you want to use the Wi-Fi connectivity on the Striker Plus 7sv to connect to the Garmin Explore app or to download Quickdraw Contours maps.

Here is a table that compares the fees and updates of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
FeesNoneNone
Software updatesFreeFree
Wi-Fi connectivityNoYes
Data plan required for Wi-Fi connectivityNoYes
Quickdraw Contours mapsNoYes
Data plan required for Quickdraw Contours mapsNoYes

#20 Battery Life

Both units claim to be capable of giving you 12 hours of continuous use (on the high CHIRP setting). I’ve found that both units perform well when it comes to battery life, but they do need to be recharged fairly often because their batteries don’t hold up very long. It’s not bad enough that it’s a deal breaker… but I wish the batteries would hold up just a little bit longer.

#21 Memory/History

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have the same internal memory of 4GB. This means that they can store the same amount of data, including maps, waypoints, and tracklogs.

Here is a table that compares the memory and history of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
Internal memory4GB4GB
Capacity for storing mapsSameSame
Capacity for storing waypointsSameSame
Capacity for storing tracklogsSameSame

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#22 Screen Color Options

Both the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have color screens. The screens are both 7 inches in size and have a resolution of 800×480 pixels. The screens are also both transflective, which means that they are easy to see in all lighting conditions, even in direct sunlight.

Here is a table that compares the screen color options of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
Screen size7 inches7 inches
Screen resolution800×480 pixels800×480 pixels
Screen typeTransflectiveTransflective
Screen color optionsColorColor

#23 Chartplotter

The Garmin echomap vs striker are both fish finders and chartplotters, but there are a few key differences between the two units in terms of their chartplotting capabilities.

The Striker Plus 7sv has a few advantages over the Striker Plus 7cv in terms of chart plotting:

  • Quickdraw Contours: The Striker Plus 7sv supports Quickdraw Contours, which allows you to create custom contour maps of the bottom of the lake. This can be useful if you are fishing in an area that does not have pre-loaded maps, or if you want to create more detailed maps of your favorite fishing spots.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity: The Striker Plus 7sv has Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to download Quickdraw Contours maps from the Garmin Explore app. You can also use the Wi-Fi connectivity to connect to the Garmin Explore app to view your maps and sonar images on a larger screen.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: The Striker Plus 7sv has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect to a compatible wireless transducer, such as the Garmin GT54HW-TM. This can be useful if you want to avoid having to run wires from the transducer to the fish finder.

#24 HD Display Resolution

Both the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have HD display resolutions of 800×480 pixels. This means that they have the same number of horizontal and vertical pixels, which results in the same image sharpness and clarity.

The main difference between the two units is the type of sonar that they use. The 7cv uses ClearVü sonar, while the 7sv uses SideVü sonar. ClearVü sonar provides down-scanning images of the bottom of the lake, while SideVü sonar provides side-scanning images. Both types of sonar provide clear and detailed images, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

ClearVü sonar is better for identifying fish and structures that are directly below the boat. SideVü sonar is better for identifying fish and structures that are to the sides of the boat.

Here is a table that compares the HD display resolution of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
HD display resolution800×480 pixels800×480 pixels

#25 Installation Process

The Garmin installation process is also super easy, but it’s a little trickier to mount because there is only one screw on the back of the unit and you need to drill a hole in your boat (if you want it mounted permanently). If I had to guess, I would say that about 20% of the people who buy this unit purchase their own RAM Mount for it, just to make the mounting process more convenient.

The installation process for the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv is the same. Both units are transom-mounted fish finders, so they need to be installed on the transom of your boat.

To install the fish finder, you will need to:

  1. Mark the location of the transducer on the transom of your boat. The transducer should be mounted as close to the center of the boat as possible, and it should be aligned with the keel of the boat.
  2. Drill a hole in the transom of your boat for the transducer cable.
  3. Mount the transducer to the transom of your boat using the included mounting hardware.
  4. Run the transducer cable through the hole in the transom and into the boat.
  5. Connect the transducer cable to the fish finder.
  6. Mount the fish finder to the dashboard of your boat using the included mounting hardware.
  7. Connect the fish finder to a power source.
  8. Turn on the fish finder and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

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#26 Waterproof Rating

Both the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have a waterproof rating of IPX7. This means that they are both waterproof to immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

IPX7 is a good waterproof rating for fish finders, as it protects them from rain, spray, and accidental immersion in water. However, it is important to note that IPX7 does not mean that the fish finders are submersible. They should not be used for diving or other underwater activities.

Here is a table that compares the waterproof rating of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
Waterproof ratingIPX7IPX7

#27 Internal Structure

Internally, the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv are the same. They both have the same processor, the same amount of memory, and the same display. The only difference between the two units is the type of sonar that they use. The 7cv uses ClearVü sonar, while the 7sv uses SideVü sonar.

Here is a table that compares the internal structure of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
ProcessorSameSame
MemorySame (4GB)Same (4GB)
DisplaySame (7-inch, 800×480 pixels)Same (7-inch, 800×480 pixels)
SonarClearVüSideVü

#27 Compatibility with Other Devices/Apps

I love the fact that both of these models are compatible with all of the most popular fish finder apps for Android and iOS devices, but I wish that they were also compatible with Mac computers because it would be nice to see my sonar readings on a larger screen.

#28 Speaker Volume

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv have the same speaker volume. They both have a 1-watt speaker that is designed to be heard in noisy environments. The speaker volume can be adjusted in the settings menu of the fish finder.

Here is a table that compares the speaker volume of the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
Speaker1-watt speaker1-watt speaker
Adjustable speaker volumeYesYes

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#29 Anglers Choice Awards for 2016

Both the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv and 7sv won the Anglers’ Choice Awards in 2016. The 7cv won the “Best Value Fish Finder” award, while the 7sv won the “Best SideVü Fish Finder” award.

The Striker Plus 7cv is a great value fish finder because it offers a lot of features for a relatively low price. It has a 7-inch color display, ClearVü sonar, and a built-in GPS. The Striker Plus 7sv is a more expensive fish finder, but it offers better SideVü sonar performance and additional features such as Quickdraw Contours and Wi-Fi connectivity.

#30 Price Point

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv is typically less expensive than the Garmin Striker Plus 7sv. This is because the 7sv has additional features such as Quickdraw Contours, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Here is a table that compares the price points of the two units:

UnitPrice (USD)
Garmin Striker Plus 7cv399.99
Garmin Striker Plus 7sv499.99

The price difference between the two units is $100. This may seem like a lot of money, but it is important to consider the additional features that the 7sv offers. If you need or want these features, then the 7SV is worth the extra money. However, if you are on a budget, then the 7cv is a good option.

It is also important to note that the price of both units can vary depending on the retailer. It is always a good idea to compare prices from multiple retailers before making a purchase.

#31 Released Date

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv was released in 2016, while the Garmin Striker Plus 7sv was released in 2017. This means that the 7sv is a newer model.

Here is a table that compares the release dates of the two units:

UnitRelease Date
Garmin Striker Plus 7cv2016
Garmin Striker Plus 7sv2017

The 7sv is a newer model, but it is important to note that the two units are very similar. The main difference between the two units is that the 7sv has additional features such as Quickdraw Contours, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Which one should you buy?

If you are looking for a fish finder with excellent sonar performance and a variety of features, then the Striker Plus 7sv is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, then the Striker Plus 7cv is a good option.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two units:

FeatureStriker Plus 7cvStriker Plus 7sv
SonarClearVüSideVü
Quickdraw ContoursNoYes
Wi-Fi connectivityNoYes
Bluetooth connectivityNoYes
PriceLess expensiveMore expensive

Recommendation

If you are a serious angler who wants the best possible sonar performance, then I recommend the Striker Plus 7sv. However, if you are an angler on a budget, then I recommend the Striker Plus 7cv.

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FAQ

Garmin cv vs sv Or Garmin sv vs cv

The main difference between Garmin CV and SV models is the type of scanning sonar they use. CV models feature ClearVu scanning sonar, which provides a high-definition image of the bottom directly beneath the boat. SV models feature SideVu and ClearVu scanning sonar, which provide high-definition images of the bottom and sides of the boat.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between Garmin CV and SV models:

FeatureGarmin CVGarmin SV
Scanning sonarClearVuSideVu and ClearVu
Bottom image qualityExcellentExcellent
Side image qualityN/AExcellent
Depth rangeUp to 1,200 feetUp to 750 feet
PriceLess expensiveMore expensive

Which model is right for you?

If you are primarily interested in seeing the bottom directly beneath your boat, then a Garmin CV model is a good choice. If you also want to see the sides of your boat, then a Garmin SV model is a better choice.

Here are some specific examples of situations where each type of model might be most useful:

  • Garmin CV: Fishing in deep water, looking for structures on the bottom, searching for wrecks or other underwater objects.
  • Garmin SV: Fishing in shallow water, looking for fish holding along the structure, finding drop-offs or other changes in bottom depth.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which model is right for you is to consider your specific needs and budget.

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