Garmin Striker Plus 9sv Fish Finder Review 2023 – Honest Opinion

By Wade Johnson

Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM transducer, 010-01875-00Do you believe in “love at first sight?”

If you didn’t, like me, then you’re about to get your first-ever experience with the feeling the second you take a look at Garmin Striker Plus 9sv.

It might seem a bit expensive but that will be a small price to pay in return of the unerring fish detection and bedazzling view of the things lying under the water’s surface.

The unit doesn’t employ chartplotters nor has the storage for downloading maps yet the limitation doesn’t bring down its value as its effective Chirp technology, customized mapping and a large and bright display can indulge you.

So if you want a top-end-like fish finder with the best value, buy Garmin Striker Plus 9sv and this is what our this review all about.

What Makes Garmin Striker Plus 9sv Reviews Stand Out?

Garmin Striker Plus 9sv gains an edge over competing models due to its ultra-wide colored display and high-frequency Chirp sonar combined with SideVu and ClearVu. It’s simple and intuitive controls make it stand out more from the crowd.

 

Our Garmin Striker Plus 9sv Fish Finder Review

Garmin Striker Plus 9sv is the biggest of all in the famous Striker Plus series so the price tag is a bit bulkier.

You’ll not be left long to complain about the small hole burnt through your pocket when its powerful transducer will be doing all sorts of magic through Chirp technology along with ClearVu and SideVu.

This triple sonar power can give you a stream of HD images of underwater activity with clear distinction between fish, bait, bottom structure and vegetation.

You can tweak sonar settings to activate ClearVu scan and get a photographic-like clear view on its 9” large sun readable display to get a clutterless picture of what’s present on either side of your boat to a 240ft distance.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a chartplotter so it doesn’t come with pre-installed mapping nor does it accept any mapping software.

However, it does feature a highly active GPS to not only help you navigate without any trouble but also give you the freedom to highlight waypoints, routes and monitor your vessel’s speed.

The remaining feeling of loss of mapping will completely diminish with its built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to take updated information from the ActiveCaptain app or Quickdraw Contours Community.

In closing, buy it if you want a professional-like deluxe fish finder with high-definition imaging and excellent sonar features to help you narrow down the distance between you and your target, the fish.

 

ClearVu & SideVu

Striker Plus 9sv is better than many chirp sonars because it combines the power of traditional Chirp with that of SideV and ClearVu. The result surpasses all your expectations.

The ClearVu sonar lets you reach to considerable depth to not just locate fish but everything present beneath the boat with the finest details.

Its SideVu gives you a real-like picture of fish, instead of arches, and other objects present on both sides of the watercraft up to a 240ft area when it initiates the scan.

The more impressive part is that everything is revealed in distinct coloration to let you instantly distinguish between fish, weeds, reefs, rocks and structure present beneath the water’s surface.

GPS & Contour Mapping

This is just a fish finder so there’s no chartplotter nor is there any SDcard slot to download maps. Instead, it comes with Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours mapping software.

This means you’ll have to summon your inner diyer to create high-definition contour maps while trolling. You can save up to 2-million acres of those maps.

In addition, the unit has an active GPS mechanism that eliminates mishaps like losing your way while exploring the vast water channel.

On top of that, it gives you an added benefit of highlighting waypoints, forming direct routes – to avoid obstacles – to your favorite spots and monitoring your boat’s speed thereby making your return trips as hassle-free as possible.

Display

The enchanting view of underwater terrain becomes twice attractive due to its 9” large colored display. The richness and vibrancy of the picture remain the same whether you’re seeing it under scintillating sunlight at noon or in low lighting at night, thanks to the sunlight readable nature of the screen and backlit format.

Other Features

This unit also carries a built-in Wi-Fi connection to let you acquire the ActiveCaptain app’s assistance as well as aid from Quickdraw Contours Community. You can also upload your personal maps to help those anglers who’re seeking assistance.

>> Click here to See Actual Product’s Owner Reviews on Amazon

Pros

  • Rugged structure can withstand the harshness of outdoors.
  • The transducer is included.
  • Chirp sonar paired with SideVu and ClearVu offers HD imagery of the bottom landscape and fish.
  • Scans an area of 240ft on each side of the boat.
  • Active GPS offers correct navigation and the advantage to mark waypoints and form shortcuts to favorite fish hotspots.
  • 9” large sunlight-readable display with user-friendly controls.
  • Inborn Wi-Fi.

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with on-board maps.
  • Lacks Micro SDcard.
  • A bit costly.

 

Why Should You Purchase Garmin Striker Plus 9sv?

First, it allows you to enjoy a fascinating view of the underwater scenery on a large colored display regardless of the outdoor environment you’re in, be it blinding sunlight, low-visibility moonlight or complete darkness.

Secondly, it makes your fish hunt easier by combining the capabilities of Chirp sonar, SideVu and Clearvu and at the same time give you an opportunity to have some manual labor by drawing maps yourself to make sure the excitement of the sport doesn’t diminish.

Final Thought

Garmin Striker Plus 9sv is a bit costly but not overly expensive like some other of the same class. Its large display along with dual-frequency Chirp sonar, ClearVu and SideVu allow you to see everything present around your boat with finest details. The unit doesn’t have on-board maps nor can you download them which means you’ll have to draw your own contour maps and rely on its internal GPS for navigation. With that being said, any experienced angler would still recommend you to buy it if the accuracy of scans and getting an enchanting view of underwater terrain is your top priority.

 

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Wade Johnson
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