The Humminbird XPLORE 9 CHO + MEGA Live 2 Bundle pairs the 9" XPLORE chartplotter with the MEGA Live 2 forward-facing live sonar transducer, complete real-time live-imaging setup at a bundle discount vs. buying separately.
Humminbird XPLORE 9 CHO + MEGA Live 2 Bundle
This bundle pairs Humminbird's current-generation XPLORE 9" platform with the MEGA Live 2 transducer, giving you the full Humminbird sonar suite (Side Imaging, Down Imaging, 2D CHIRP, GPS, charts) PLUS forward-facing live sonar in one purchase. MEGA Live 2 is Humminbird's answer to LiveScope and ActiveTarget, real-time sonar imaging that shows fish moving in front of the trolling motor as you scan.
What's Included in the Bundle
- XPLORE 9" Control Head Only, 9" IPS solar-readable touchscreen with CHIRP MEGA SI+/MDI+/2D plus built-in CoastMaster + LakeMaster charts (no transducer in head unit, MEGA Live 2 transducer is the only included transducer)
- MEGA Live 2 transducer, forward-facing live sonar with 3 modes: Forward, Down, and Landscape
- All required cables and mounting hardware
MEGA Live 2 Sonar
- Real-time live imaging, see fish move and react in real-time
- 3 view modes: Forward (in front of trolling motor), Down (directly below), Landscape (wide-angle survey)
- 120 forward beam, scan a wide cone in front of the boat
- Ultra-clear MEGA frequency, target separation down to inches
- Compatible with Target Lock, paired with Minn Kota for spot lock + live sonar tracking
XPLORE Platform Highlights
- Multi-touch IPS display, smartphone-style touch operation
- One-Boat Network, integrate with Minn Kota trolling motors
- Ethernet + NMEA 2000 networking
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth with FishSmart app
- CHO version: requires a separately purchased Side Imaging transducer for SI/DI/2D, OR runs MEGA Live 2 only as a live-sonar dedicated unit
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CHO and CMSI+ in the bundle?
CHO (Control Head Only) bundle: only includes the MEGA Live 2 transducer, no SI/DI transducer. CMSI+ bundle: includes the MEGA Live 2 transducer PLUS the matched MEGA SI+ transducer for the head unit. CHO is for anglers who already have an SI transducer, CMSI+ is the complete package.
Do I need a separate MEGA SI+ transducer too?
YES with the CHO bundle, the Side Imaging transducer is sold separately. Use the XM 9 HW MSI T or similar. For the CMSI+ bundle, the SI+ transducer is included.
Is MEGA Live 2 different from MEGA Live (1)?
Yes. MEGA Live 2 has improved imaging clarity, better target separation, and updated firmware over the original MEGA Live. MEGA Live 2 also requires firmware v5.060 or later on your XPLORE/APEX/SOLIX, the bundle ships with units already on compatible firmware.
How does this compare to LiveScope or ActiveTarget?
MEGA Live 2 is Humminbird's competing live-sonar transducer to Garmin's LiveScope LVS34 and Lowrance's ActiveTarget 2. All three deliver real-time forward imaging. MEGA Live 2 has slightly better resolution at the MEGA frequency, slightly different beam shape. The choice mostly comes down to which platform (Humminbird, Garmin, Lowrance) you're already running, mixed-platform live sonar setups don't work.
What trolling motor do I need?
For the best MEGA Live 2 experience, pair with a Minn Kota Ultrex Quest or Fortrex with the Target Lock adapter (sold separately). Target Lock lets you lock the trolling motor onto the target shown on MEGA Live 2 and follow it automatically. Compatible with most trolling motors via standard transducer mount, but Target Lock specifically requires Minn Kota Quest series + adapter.
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.
