Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5Cv Chartplotter | No Transducer

Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5Cv Chartplotter | No Transducer5" STRIKER Vivid 5cv chartplotter, head unit only, no transducer. Color "Vivid" display with CHIRP + ClearV capability when paired with your existing transducer. Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5CV Chartplotter (No Transducer) The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5cv is the mid entry tier, a step up from the STRIKER 4 Plus 4 entry tier and a step down from the ECHOMAP UHD2 mainstream tier. Priced at $319. It's a compact 5" fishfinder with a color "Vivid" display and CHIRP +

🐟 5" STRIKER Vivid 5cv chartplotter, head unit only, no transducer. Color "Vivid" display with CHIRP + ClearVü capability when paired with your existing transducer.

Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5CV Chartplotter (No Transducer)

The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 5cv is the mid-entry tier, a step up from the STRIKER 4/Plus 4 entry tier and a step down from the ECHOMAP UHD2 mainstream tier. Priced at $319. It's a compact 5" fishfinder with a color "Vivid" display and CHIRP + ClearVü sonar. Garmin uses "Vivid" to describe the color palette, sharper, brighter, higher-contrast colors than the original STRIKER line, making fish and structure more distinguishable at a glance. This model is head unit only, no transducer included. This is the head-unit-only variant, no transducer included. Bring your own GT-series transducer, or save money if you already own one from an older Garmin unit.

The value story is specific: you get ClearVü down imaging at a price point where ECHOMAP UHD2 doesn't go. The STRIKER Vivid line doesn't support LiveScope, Panoptix live sonar, LakeMaster VX cartography chips, or NMEA 2000 networking. If you don't need those features, you get real CHIRP + ClearVü at $200 less than the comparable ECHOMAP UHD2 unit.

Key Features

• ✅ 5" Color "Vivid" Display, sharper colors than original STRIKER, button controls (NOT touchscreen)
• ✅ No Transducer Included, bring your own GT-series transducer
• ✅ CHIRP + ClearVü Sonar, mid-entry tier sonar suite
• ✅ Built-In GPS + Quickdraw Contours, record 1-foot lake maps as you fish, up to 2 million acres
• ✅ ActiveCaptain Community Compatible, share and download Quickdraw maps
• ✅ IPX7 Waterproof
• ✅ Low Power Draw, small battery friendly
• ❌ No LiveScope or Panoptix Support, mid-entry tier limit
• ❌ No LakeMaster VX / CoastMaster Cartography Chip Support, Quickdraw only for mapping
• ❌ No Touchscreen, button controls only
• ❌ No NMEA 2000 Networking, standalone unit, won't network with other Garmin electronics

Who This Is For

This unit is best for kayak anglers, jon boat owners, small pontoon owners, and budget-conscious recreational anglers. Step up: the ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv (~$450) adds touchscreen, pre-loaded cartography, NMEA 2000, and (for the 7" only) LiveScope compatibility. Step down: STRIKER Vivid 5cv is already the entry point for the color Vivid tier.

Choose This If...

• You want ClearVü at the lowest price tier that includes them, step up from STRIKER 4/Plus 4 without reaching ECHOMAP UHD2 pricing.
• You don't need LiveScope or Panoptix, this tier doesn't support live sonar at all.
• You're fine with button controls instead of touchscreen, if you want touchscreen, step up to ECHOMAP UHD2.
• You don't need pre-loaded cartography, Quickdraw records YOUR lake maps. If you want Navionics or LakeMaster VX, step up to ECHOMAP UHD2.
• You fish 12-18 ft aluminum boats, jon boats, kayaks, small pontoons, and ice fishing shelters (with ice transducer accessory), the 5" size fits.
• Your budget is around $319, mid-entry tier with real ClearVü.

Specifications

• Display: 5" color "Vivid" button-controlled display
• Control: Button-based (NOT touchscreen)
• Sonar: CHIRP + ClearVü
• Transducer: NOT included, purchase separately (GT20, GT52HW, or compatible GT-series)
• GPS: Built-in, waypoints + Quickdraw Contours
• Power: 12V DC (battery sold separately)
• Networking: None (no NMEA 2000, no Wi-Fi, no Marine Network)
• Waterproof: IPX7
• SKU: 010-02551-02

Compatibility Reference

STRIKER Vivid has a limited ecosystem, mid-entry tier:

• Transducers: Garmin GT20, GT22, GT52HW, Dual Beam-IF (ice), no GT54UHD/GT56UHD UHD transducer support
• Live Sonar: ❌ NOT supported, no LiveScope, no Panoptix
• Networking: ❌ NO NMEA 2000, NO Marine Network, NO Wi-Fi
• Cartography: Quickdraw Contours only, NO LakeMaster VX, NO CoastMaster, NO Navionics+ chips
• Apps: ActiveCaptain Community (Quickdraw map sharing only)

What's in the Box

• STRIKER Vivid 5cv head unit
• Tilt/swivel gimbal mount
• Power cable
• Quick-start guide
• NOT INCLUDED (purchase separately): Transducer (GT20-TM for cv sonar)

Warranty

Covered by Garmin's 1-year limited warranty. Carolina Sportsman Outfitters provides post-purchase setup guidance by phone, call us with setup questions, transducer mounting advice, or upgrade recommendations if this unit isn't the right fit. Call 252-431-6001.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Vivid" mean?

"Vivid" refers to Garmin's color palette, sharper, brighter, higher-contrast colors than the original STRIKER line. Makes fish arcs, bottom composition, and ClearVü structure detail easier to see at a glance.

Does this support LiveScope or Panoptix?

No. The STRIKER tier does not support LiveScope Plus, LiveScope XR, LiveScope Original, or any Panoptix live sonar product. If live forward-looking sonar is on your wish list, step up to ECHOMAP UHD2 7"+ tier.

What's the difference between cv and sv?

"cv" means CHIRP + ClearVü (down imaging only). "sv" adds SideVü side imaging. The 5cv is a cv unit without SideVü. Step up to 7sv or 9sv for SideVü.

Can I add a cartography chip (LakeMaster VX, Navionics+)?

No. STRIKER Vivid units use Quickdraw Contours for mapping, you record your own lake contours as you fish. They do NOT support LakeMaster VX, CoastMaster Premium, Navionics+, or any other cartography chip. If you want pre-loaded maps, step up to ECHOMAP UHD2.

Does it support NMEA 2000 networking?

No. STRIKER Vivid is a standalone unit, does not network with other Garmin electronics. If you need networked radar, cameras, or multi-display setups, step up to ECHOMAP UHD2 or Ultra 2.

Is this used in tournaments?

Rarely at competitive levels. STRIKER Vivid is recreational/mid-entry tier. Tournament anglers typically run ECHOMAP UHD2, Ultra 2, or GPSMAP units with LiveScope or Panoptix live sonar.

How is this different from ECHOMAP UHD2?

Three main differences: (1) ECHOMAP UHD2 has touchscreen; STRIKER Vivid has buttons. (2) ECHOMAP UHD2 supports LakeMaster/CoastMaster/Navionics cartography chips; STRIKER Vivid is Quickdraw-only. (3) ECHOMAP UHD2 7"+ supports LiveScope via GLS 10; STRIKER Vivid does not at any size. Pricing reflects these differences, ECHOMAP UHD2 is typically $200-$300 more at comparable screen sizes.

Can I use this for ice fishing?

Yes, with an ice transducer accessory (sold separately). The STRIKER Vivid 5cv Ice Fishing Bundle ($450) is purpose-built if you want a complete ice setup, saves the hassle of buying ice transducer separately.

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Carolina Sportsman Outfitters has been outfitting anglers with Garmin fishfinders since 2015. We know the tier differences across STRIKER, STRIKER Vivid, ECHOMAP UHD2, Ultra 2, and GPSMAP. Call 252-431-6001 for pre-purchase tier questions or post-purchase setup help.