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IMAGING
FREQUENCIES
DURABILITY
PRICE
SUMMARY:
The Garmin Striker 4DV comes with a 3.5-inch HVGA Color display. It has a pretty good resolution of 480 x 320-pixels. Also, the most important thing is that it comes equipped with an integrated GPS system. Although the resolution seems poor, it’s quite good considering the size of the display. The CHIRP and DownVu are two innovative technologies which make this fish finder a unit worth checking out.
PROS
- Capable of dual frequencies
- 2D sonar with CHIRP
- GPS with high sensitivity
- Ability to save up to 5,000 waypoints
- Affordable
CONS
- No unit cover included
- Lacks NMEA connectivity
Review
Garmin Striker 4DV includes the CHIRP transducer which provides a higher level of clarity and detail for fish and terrain below the deck than traditional sensors which work on the same frequency. CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies instead of sending just one wave of frequency. People often tend to think a lot about purchasing particular products. It’s easy to get over your budget, especially with fish finders.
That being said, the first thing you need to determine before buying a fish finder is what do you need it for and what auxiliary features do you require. When you categorize your demands, it will become much easier to choose the right one for yourself. In this review, we’ve tried to pay attention to some technical stuff as well as evaluate the overall quality and performance of this fish finder.
The Specifications
Display size – 3.5 inches
Display type – HVGA Color
Display resolution – 480 x 320-pixels
Sonar type – DualBeam and Dual-Frequency
Supported frequencies – traditional (50, 77, 200 kHz), CHIRP (mid and high), and DownVu (260, 455, 800 kHz)
Transmit power – 300W (RMS)
Depth capability – 1750 feet (freshwater), 830 feet (saltwater)
Split screen, GPS, and Course over ground
Why is GPS Important?
Having GPS integrated into your device offers a lot of possibilities. Although GPS isn’t a necessity, it’s certainly an upside. With GPS you can mark waypoints, areas with high concentration of fish, and track your movement. GPS comes in handy when you’re fishing in unfamiliar waters because it’s almost impossible to get lost if you have this feature integrated into your fish finder. You can also analyze the movement and the migration of fish. So, not having a GPS function can be a burden, people often purchase additional GPS devices, and install it separately.
By having GPS included, you save money and time. So, whether you’re an experienced fisherman or an amateur one, GPS is a thing you need.
Experience the CHIRP and DownVu
CHIRP sonar technology can create crisper fish arches with greater target separation. Also, CHIRP offers a visibly higher level of accuracy and detail than traditional transducers. As we said, CHIRP sends a continuous wave of frequencies instead of just one at the time thus providing a better quality of picture as well as more accurate readings. You can also upgrade to high-performance CHIRP technology, which provides a crystal-clear sonar image with even more target separation and resolution from shallow to deeper depths.
DownVuSonar offers a nearly photographic image of what passes deep below your vessel. You can clearly see the terrain, fish, structures, and objects on the bottom. CHIRP sonar and DownVu scanning sonar are combined into one transducer. A higher frequency like 260 kHz creates fine details but with less distance.
Display and the Resolution
The display is 3.5 inches of diagonal width. It’s not an extra-large display by any means, but it’s more than enough to allow you to determine various readings accurately. What’s important is that this fish finder comes with a color screen instead of a black and white one.
The resolution of 480 x 320-pixels is relatively good for the size of this display. Every object is easily distinguishable on this display. So, although the resolution seems underwhelming, it’s quite good nonetheless.
DownVu and CHIRP send accurate signals back to the screen to provide the best possible visual representation of what’s happening in the water.
Other Useful Features
We can’t talk about useful features and not mention the GPS feature. Tracking your movement as well as the movement of fish is crucial for successful fishing. More importantly, GPS allows you to mark spots where the fish are biting so you can return to the same place again in the future.Use the waypoint map to view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps, and docks. It’s also a useful tool for finding your way back to the boat ramp, or the harbor.
Also, you can check the speed of your boat with Garmin Striker series. It helps you make sure you’re cruising at the right speed for the bait you’re using and for the particular fish you’re following. A portable kit is included to help you transfer and carry your device wherever you go. It includes a rechargeable battery, built-in transducer management and storage, and a suction cup mount.
The Quality, Usability, and Reliability
This fish finder is well-made, and it has high-quality hardware built-in. The quality of production is solid, the menu is quite straightforward, and it’s easy to install. You can use it whenever and wherever you want. Also, this fish finder, considering its features, is pretty affordable. It’s not as expensive as you might think. The GPS feature and the CHIRP technology are worth every penny. It’s also reliable, the brightness and high resolution make it easy to see in direct sunlight – even when you’re wearing sunglasses. Garmin delivers on all their promises and keeps the cost down at the same time. It has everything you need in a compact, affordable package.
The Conclusion
Whether you’re a professional fisherman, or you only want to have fun with some friends over the weekend, this fish finder will help you fulfill your goals. It’s compact, easy to carry, and easy to use. The readings and visual presentation are on a high level. All in all, if you decide to buy this device, you’ll use it with a broad smile on your face and plenty fish in your boat.