I have the 26" so I can't address your question specifically, but I can say that I am very glad I have the 26". Any extra width is especially useful when you are quilting blocks set on point, and it means not rolling the quilt as often. I'm not sure what the 9" reference in your question means. The configuration of the Innova frame means that you don't have the limitations when rolling a quilt that other frames have as the roll gets larger. I agree with Prism - join the yahoo group for the Innova. You will get lots of information and support there, but with Innova you have 24/7 support with a phone call to someone at Innova who will be able to walk you through any difficulty or answer any question.