Garmin striker vivid 5cv vs Humminbird helix 5 Review
When comparing fish finders, it’s important to consider their features, specifications, and overall performance. The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv vs Humminbird Helix 5 are popular fish finders in their respective product lines, and both provide a range of useful features for anglers. Let’s compare the two devices based on several key aspects:
Display:
In terms of display, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. It’s a full-color display that’s easy to read in bright sunlight, and it has a built-in flasher that allows you to see real-time sonar data in a traditional flasher format.
The Humminbird Helix 5 also has a 5-inch display, but it has a higher resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which provides a sharper image. It’s also a full-color display that’s easy to read in bright sunlight. Additionally, the Helix 5 has built-in Bluetooth and Ethernet networking, which allows you to connect the unit to other devices and access additional features.
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv:
- 5-inch color WVGA display
- 800 x 480 pixels resolution
- Vivid scanning sonar color palettes for better target separation
Humminbird Helix 5:
- 5-inch color TFT display
- 800 x 480 pixels resolution
- 256-color range for improved target separation
Both fish finders offer similar display sizes and resolution, but the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv provides more color palettes for better target separation.
Sonar Technology:
In terms of sonar capabilities, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv has CHIRP traditional sonar, which provides a wider range of sonar frequencies to give you a clearer picture of what’s below your boat. It also has ClearVü scanning sonar, which provides a more detailed view of the underwater environment.
The Humminbird Helix 5 also has CHIRP traditional sonar, but it also has Down Imaging, which uses high-frequency sonar to provide a detailed view of the bottom structure and fish below your boat. The SwitchFire Sonar allows you to customize the sonar settings to fit your fishing conditions, making it easier to detect fish in different water conditions.
Both fish finders have built-in GPS, which allows you to mark waypoints, track your location on the water, and navigate to specific locations. This can be particularly helpful if you’re fishing in an unfamiliar area or need to return to a productive fishing spot.
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv:
- CHIRP traditional sonar
- ClearVü scanning sonar
Humminbird Helix 5:
- DualBeam PLUS sonar
- Down Imaging sonar (some models also offer Side Imaging)
Both fish finders use different sonar technologies, with the Striker Vivid 5cv utilizing CHIRP and ClearVü, while the Helix 5 has DualBeam PLUS and Down Imaging (with Side Imaging available in some models).
GPS and Mapping:
The Quickdraw Contours mapping software is a unique feature of the Striker Vivid 5cv. It allows you to create your own maps of the water you’re fishing in, which can be very useful if you’re fishing in an area that doesn’t have pre-loaded maps. You can customize the maps by adding depth contours, creating your own waypoints, and even sharing your maps with other Garmin users.
On the other hand, the Humminbird Helix 5’s Down Imaging provides a more detailed view of the structure and fish below your boat. The SwitchFire Sonar allows you to adjust the sonar settings to fit your fishing conditions. This can be helpful for adjusting the sensitivity of the sonar to detect fish in different water conditions.
The networking capabilities of the Helix 5 allow you to connect the unit to other devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and access additional features. For example, you can use the Bluetooth connection to stream music or make hands-free calls while fishing. You can also connect multiple Helix units together to share sonar data and waypoints.
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv:
- High-sensitivity GPS
- Waypoints, routes, and tracks
- Quickdraw Contours mapping software for creating custom maps
Humminbird Helix 5:
- Internal GPS
- Waypoints, routes, and tracks
- AutoChart Live for creating custom maps (on some models)
- Compatibility with various map cards, such as LakeMaster and Navionics
Both devices include GPS functionality and mapping capabilities, but the Helix 5 offers compatibility with various map cards, which can be an advantage for some users.
Price Comparaison:
In terms of price, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is generally less expensive than the Humminbird Helix 5. As of April 2023, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv typically retails for around $299, while the Humminbird Helix 5 usually starts around $349.
Prices for both fish finders may vary depending on the retailer and any promotions or discounts. Generally, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv and the Humminbird Helix 5 are similarly priced, with the Helix 5 potentially being slightly more expensive, particularly for models with additional features such as Side Imaging.
However, it’s important to note that prices may vary based on the specific model and any additional accessories or features that are included. Additionally, prices may fluctuate based on sales, promotions, and availability.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv and the Humminbird Helix 5 are capable fish finders with comparable displays, sonar technologies, and GPS features. The choice between the two will often come down to personal preferences and specific needs, such as the importance of additional color palettes, mapping compatibility, or Side Imaging. It’s recommended to compare the specific models you are interested in and consider the features that are most important to you before making a decision.
