10 Best Depth Finders 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly 7-inch color fishfinder ideal for both amateur and experienced anglers. It comes with a GT20-TM transducer that supports both Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, which helps in clearly identifying fish and structures underwater. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes further enhance visualization, making it easier to distinguish between different underwater elements.

The display is an LCD screen, providing clear and bright visuals, which are essential during fishing trips in various lighting conditions. The high-sensitivity GPS is a noteworthy feature, allowing users to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor their boat speed, adding a layer of navigational convenience. Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is beneficial for creating custom fishing maps on the spot. Another modern touch is the Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling connection to the ActiveCaptain app for software updates and waypoint transfers, making it a tech-savvy choice.

However, the device is battery-powered, which might be a drawback for extended fishing trips unless spare batteries are carried. The unit is somewhat portable with a 4.4-pound weight and dimensions of 3.4"L x 6.1"W x 7"H, although it may not be the lightest option available. The surface mount installation could be a bit tricky for beginners but is manageable. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv stands out with its comprehensive sonar capabilities and smart features, making it a valuable tool for both casual and serious fishing enthusiasts.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a robust option for serious anglers looking for advanced depth-finding technology. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which combines CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities, offering detailed images of underwater structures and fish. The 9-inch high-resolution multi-touch LCD screen is user-friendly and clear, making it easy to interpret the data.

Additionally, the unit’s compatibility with ActiveTarget Live Sonar allows for real-time tracking of fish movements, although this feature is sold separately or included in another bundle. Its GPS integration with preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts provides precise navigation and mapping of fishing hotspots, covering 8,900 U.S. lakes with 1-foot contours, which is invaluable for planning fishing trips. The device also supports full networking through wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, allowing for an expandable fishing system with shared data across multiple displays.

However, at 4.54 kilograms, portability might be a concern as the unit is relatively heavy. The maximum measuring depth of 120 feet is adequate for most fishing conditions but might not suffice for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is a feature-rich, powerful tool best suited for dedicated anglers looking for a comprehensive depth-finding and navigation system, albeit with some considerations regarding portability and additional costs for full functionality.