Hi Chad: I have two of the 9650's which I have installed in the stabs of a Gator Giles 202 I am in the process of building. Next Spring tho before any flying on them.
Steve Alexander had 9602's on his elevators in both Excellences. Those are the same physical size as the 9650s. They seemed to work O.K.,but I believe they had metal gears.

Like you,I prefer the non-metal gear servos,but was a bit concerned over the plastic (?) gears small size.

Cheers,,,,,,,Dave