XPLORE 12" Control Head Only, current-generation Humminbird touchscreen platform, no transducer included. For anglers with existing MEGA-capable transducers or networked multi-unit rigs.

Humminbird XPLORE 12 CHO (Control Head Only)

The Humminbird XPLORE 12" CHO is the Control Head Only version of the XPLORE 12", priced at $2699. Same head unit as the CMSI+ version ($2899), but shipped without a transducer. "CHO" means Control Head Only. This variant is designed for anglers who (1) already own a compatible MEGA-capable transducer from a prior install, (2) are building a multi-unit networked rig where another unit handles sonar, or (3) want XPLORE 12" as a networked secondary display on a rig with sonar handled elsewhere.

The $200 savings vs the CMSI+ variant ($2899) is less than the retail cost of the XM 14 HW MSI T transducer if purchased separately (~$500-$800). CHO makes sense only if you already own a compatible transducer. For first-time XPLORE 12" buyers building a standalone rig, the CMSI+ variant with transducer at $2899 is the better buy.

XPLORE in the Humminbird line: HELIX 5/7/15 ($250-$3,200) is the traditional button-controlled platform. XPLORE 9/10/12 ($1,300-$4,500), you are here, is the current-generation touchscreen platform positioned between HELIX and APEX. APEX 13/16/19 ($3,400-$4,700) is the flagship touchscreen line above XPLORE. XPLORE is typically the right choice when you want current-gen touchscreen platform at mid-premium pricing without stepping up to APEX flagship tier. All XPLORE units ship with full One-Boat Network, making them natural centers of networked bass boat rigs that add MEGA Live 2 transducers, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link integration, and secondary displays.

Key Features

• 12" Touchscreen Display, Glass-bonded multi-touch IPS display, current-gen Humminbird touch platform
• Dual-Spectrum HW CHIRP Sonar, High-wide CHIRP, deeper/wider than standard CHIRP
• MEGA Side Imaging+ (MSI+), Enhanced-range MEGA side imaging
• MEGA Down Imaging (MDI), Premium-frequency down imaging
• Built-In GPS, Waypoints, trails, chartplotter
• Dual MicroSD Card Slots, LakeMaster VX / Navionics Vision+ / AutoChart chip support
• AutoChart Live Compatible, Record custom 1-foot contour maps
• One-Boat Network (OBN), Full OBN, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, MEGA Live 2, multi-unit HB networking
• MEGA Live 2 Compatible, Add MEGA Live 2 transducer separately for forward-scan live sonar
• Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, Integration with Ultrex, Terrova, Ulterra, spot-lock, waypoint steering
• Multi-Unit Networking, Ethernet + NMEA 2000, networks with HELIX, XPLORE, APEX, Minn Kota
• NMEA 2000 Support, External sensors, engine data, wind, fuel
• Current Generation XPLORE, Newer platform than HELIX, touchscreen with modern UI
• Control Head Only, NO transducer included, provide your own MEGA-capable transducer
• No Transducer Included, CHO variant, most first-time XPLORE buyers want the CMSI+ version with transducer instead
• MEGA Live 2 Transducer Not Included, MEGA Live 2 transducer sold separately (~$1,500)
• Touchscreen Controls, For button-UI preference in wet/cold conditions, consider HELIX 15 at similar tier

Who This Is For

This unit is best for top-tier tournament bass anglers, guides, charter captains running mid-size offshore rigs, serious crappie tournament anglers with large bass boats, and anglers building flagship XPLORE-tier rigs. Typical role: primary display on tournament bass boats 20-25 ft, secondary display on APEX flagship rigs, primary chartplotter on mid-size offshore boats. Step down: XPLORE 10 ($2,100-$2,300) saves $600 but steps down to 10". Step up: APEX 13 ($3,400+) adds flagship APEX platform for $500-$800 more; HELIX 15 ($2,900-$3,200) cross-steps to button UI at same price point. Cross-variant: XPLORE 12" CMSI+ ($2899) includes the transducer, typically the right buy for first-time XPLORE buyers building a standalone rig.

Choose This If...

• You want current-generation Humminbird touchscreen platform, XPLORE is newer than HELIX; APEX is the flagship above it.
• Your boat and fishing fit the 12" tier, primary display on tournament bass boats 20-25 ft, secondary display on APEX flagship rigs, primary chartplotter on mid-size offshore boats.
• You want full One-Boat Network integration, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, MEGA Live 2 ready, multi-unit networking standard at XPLORE tier.
• Your budget is in the $2499-$2999 range, XPLORE 12" tier.
• You prefer touchscreen over button UI, for button preference, HELIX 15 ($2,900-$3,200) is the cross-tier alternative at similar pricing.
• You already own a MEGA-capable transducer, CHO saves $200 when you have the transducer covered.

Specifications

• Display: 12" color touchscreen, 1280x800 resolution, glass-bonded IPS
• Head Unit Dimensions: 13.1" W x 8.4" H x 2.5" D
• Head Unit Weight: 5.2 lbs
• Sonar: Dual-Spectrum HW CHIRP + MEGA Side Imaging+ (MSI+) + MEGA Down Imaging (MDI)
• Transducer: NOT INCLUDED, Control Head Only. Compatible: XM 14 HW MSI T (thru-hull / trolling motor, MSI+ + HW CHIRP), XNT 9 MSI+ 150 T (transom-mount), any Humminbird MEGA-capable transducer (NOT INCLUDED in CHO variant)
• GPS: Built-in, waypoint marking, basic chartplotter, AutoChart Live compatible
• Networking: One-Boat Network (OBN), Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, MEGA Live 2, multi-unit HB networking
• MicroSD: Dual slots, LakeMaster VX, Navionics Vision+, AutoChart chip compatible
• Power: 12V DC
• Mounting: In-dash flush-mount (with flush-mount kit) OR gimbal bracket mount
• Waterproof: IPX7
• SKU: 412020-1CHO

Compatibility Reference

XPLORE 12" integrates with the full Humminbird current-generation ecosystem:

• Transducers: XM 14 HW MSI T (included NOT on CHO), XM 9 HW MSI 150 T, XNT 9 MSI+ 150 T (transom-mount), XNT 14 HW MSI T (larger thru-hull), all Humminbird MEGA-capable transducers
• MEGA Live 2: Fully compatible, transducer sold separately (~$1,500)
• One-Boat Network (OBN): Full OBN support, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, multi-unit networking, Ethernet
• Minn Kota i-Pilot Link: Full integration with Ultrex, Terrova, Ulterra, spot-lock coordinates, waypoint steering
• Cartography: LakeMaster VX, LakeMaster, Navionics Vision+, Navionics+, AutoChart Live (record custom maps)
• Networking: Ethernet + NMEA 2000 + OBN, networks with HELIX 7 G4N, HELIX 15, XPLORE 9/10/12, APEX 13/16/19
• NMEA 2000: Full support, external sensors, engine data, wind, fuel, autopilot
• Autopilot: Compatible with Humminbird/Minn Kota autopilot systems via OBN

Warranty

Covered by Humminbird's 1-year limited warranty. comparable to Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 126sv at $2,900-$3,100; XPLORE 12 CMSI+ ($2,900) includes MSI+ + HW CHIRP transducer and full OBN networking. Carolina Sportsman Outfitters coordinates installer referrals in the Carolinas and provides post-purchase setup guidance by phone. For multi-unit OBN rigs with MEGA Live 2 integration, we can help with pre-purchase rig planning. Call 252-431-6001.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between XPLORE and HELIX?

HELIX is the traditional button-controlled Humminbird platform. XPLORE is the current-generation touchscreen platform. Feature parity is close on MEGA imaging, OBN, and MEGA Live 2 compatibility. The choice is mainly UI preference, touchscreen modern interface vs button UI. Many long-time Humminbird anglers prefer HELIX buttons for wet/cold conditions; anglers coming from other brands or wanting a modern UI usually prefer XPLORE touchscreen.

What's the difference between XPLORE and APEX?

APEX is Humminbird's flagship touchscreen platform, above XPLORE. APEX has a larger processor, faster touchscreen response, premium Viewing enhancements (VX) for brighter/clearer displays, and is positioned for tournament-top tier and offshore/yacht installations. XPLORE is the mid-premium touchscreen tier, excellent performance but not flagship-tier. For most tournament bass anglers, XPLORE is sufficient; for top-tier offshore or yacht installations, APEX is the right choice.

What does CMSI+ mean?

CMSI+ = Combined MEGA Side Imaging Plus. The unit has MSI+ (enhanced-range MEGA side imaging) plus MEGA Down Imaging combined on one platform, with the XM 14 HW MSI T transducer included. "Combined" refers to MSI+ + MDI together in one transducer. CHO variant = Control Head Only, no transducer included.

What does HW CHIRP mean?

HW CHIRP = High-Wide CHIRP. Humminbird's premium CHIRP variant that provides deeper penetration and wider beam coverage than standard CHIRP. Better for finding suspended fish and thermoclines at depth, better for wider-angle bait ball detection. Most XPLORE transducers (XM 14 HW MSI T, XM 9 HW MSI 150 T) include HW CHIRP capability.

Is XPLORE used in tournaments?

Yes, extensively. XPLORE 9/10/12 is common across all bass tournament tiers, from club circuits and BFL up through B.A.S.S. Elite and MLF Pro Tour. Many Elite and Pro Tour anglers run XPLORE 12 as primary + XPLORE 10 secondary, or XPLORE 12 + APEX combinations. For mid-size tournament boats (19-23 ft), XPLORE is often the optimal screen size / price balance.

Does this work with MEGA Live 2?

Yes. All XPLORE units have full One-Boat Network (OBN) and are MEGA Live 2 compatible. Add the MEGA Live 2 transducer (sold separately, ~$1,500) for forward-scan live sonar comparable to Garmin LiveScope Plus. MEGA Live 2 is the Humminbird competitor in the live sonar category.

Can I network XPLORE with HELIX and APEX?

Yes. One-Boat Network (OBN) supports multi-unit networking across HELIX G4N, XPLORE, and APEX. Common rigs include XPLORE 12 as primary + XPLORE 9 bow-mount, XPLORE 12 + APEX 13 side-by-side flagship helm, or HELIX 15 button + XPLORE 10 touchscreen combination for anglers who want both UI types.

What chart chips does it support?

Dual microSD slots supporting LakeMaster VX (premium Humminbird freshwater), Navionics+ and Navionics Vision+ (saltwater and freshwater), and AutoChart Live for recording custom contour maps. Dual slots allow multi-region chips to be loaded simultaneously.

Is professional installation required?

Not required but often preferred for multi-unit OBN rigs. Most XPLORE 9 and 10 installations are DIY by experienced anglers, transducer mounting, power/ground wiring, and GPS antenna placement takes 2-4 hours. XPLORE 12 installations on tournament boats are often shop-installed ($400-$1,000) for clean multi-unit networking with MEGA Live 2 and Minn Kota integration. For flagship multi-display rigs, professional install is usually worth it.

Need help with fit or compatibility? Carolina Sportsman Outfitters has been outfitting tournament bass anglers and offshore sportfishermen since 2015, we know the part numbers and can verify compatibility before you order. Call 252-431-6001.

Backed by Humminbird warranty and CSO's expert product support. Financing available at checkout, no credit needed.