dhale,

I "trained" my 11 year old daughter, the 9 year old wasn't very interested, on a Merlin. Megatech isn't very well thought of, but the Merlin is easy to fly and somewhat rugged.

The Slow Stick is much like the Merlin, in terms of design and flight characteristics.

The Wingo/Soarstar has much to offer, including a pusher prop that lets the foam nose take many of the hits.

For a 9 year old I'd focus on slowflyers or park flyers like these.

GB