Finding the right flasher or sonar system can be pretty hard, and usually, it is a good idea to stick to brands like Garmin and Vexilar. You’ll find an extensive range of options on both of these brands, and the pricing is pretty decent on smaller units like Garmin Striker 4. So, if you’re not planning on spending a massive budget, try using the Garmin Striker 4 systems for your fishing setup. While the Striker 4 systems from Garmin are nothing short of exceptional, most users are often confused between the Striker series vs the Vexilar options. So, here are some specifics on both options, and you can choose the model that best matches your fishing requirements.
Garmin Striker 4 vs Vexilar Comparison
Garmin Striker 4
The Garmin Striker series has been dominating the market with its exceptional features. Even though it is not the cheapest option in the market, you will still enjoy several features like split-screen, incredible zoom, and an efficient flasher. This device is primarily known for its versatility, and you should definitely give it a try if you’re looking for new units to add to your boat. So, you can think of Garmin Striker 4 as the perfect system for kayaks and small boats.
The major difference between the Vexilar and the Garmin Striker 4 is the quality of the flasher, efficiency of gain control, and the overall transducer mount. With Garmin Striker 4, you will get better clarity with the flasher, and the overlay modifications will give you more control of the device. However, the gain control mechanism is harder to manage on this device. Anglers have had a hard time trying to adjust the gain accordingly, and you’ll likely run into the same issues.
Other than that, the quality of the transducer and the mounting process is easier with the Garmin Striker 4. It won’t take you more than an hour to completely set up this unit, and you can even rely on some board pieces to avoid drilling holes in your boat. So, if you’re looking for easier installation, then going with Garmin Striker 4 systems is the better choice here.
Overall, Garmin Striker 4 is the ideal unit that will fit right into your system. It has a built-in flasher and several utility features to help you through the fishing season. So, if you’re looking for a versatile device that is also portable and only requires a dry box for battery storage, then Garmin Striker 4 should be your first choice. You won’t be disappointed with this purchase.
Vexilar
When you’re looking for more traditional units, the Vexilar devices will present a better value. Even though these units are nowhere near the Garmin Striker 4 models when it comes to the overall features, you will still enjoy decent coverage. So, if you’re not a fan of the extra clutter and overlay on the Garmin devices, and need a more basic system to help you find a good fishing spot, then going with Vexilar is not a bad choice.
The majority of anglers believe Vexilar to be an easier system as the knobs make it effortless to manage gain and change configurations. On the other hand, the smaller control buttons on the Garmin Striker 4 make it harder to manage the smart features. So, you will often struggle with Gain management and other features during the fishing trip.
While it is true that the controls of the Vexilar systems are easier, you are still better off with the Garmin Striker 4 if you’re planning on visiting different regions. The split-screen features and the increased coverage by the transducer will have a better impact on your fishing trip. Moreover, you can access a wide range of utility features with this smart device.
Overall, the Vexilar systems maintain a pretty good reputation as traditional units. It is true that you won’t get the latest features and integration with these devices, but the basic functionality of these units is pretty consistent. You won’t come across any complaints about the standard flashes offered by this brand, while there have been a few complications with the Garmin Striker devices. So, if you’re looking for better performance consistency and easier-to-manage controls, the Vexilar systems are for you.