Devote 1 module slot to a Hull Reinforcement Package, the smallest one will work, adds a good bit of hull and resistance to damage, so that even without shields, you don't get shot up real quick. That's good for any ship btw, that extra hull the HRP gives and the resistance, well worth the loss of any cargo space. I'd also suggest, if you can afford it, the military hull upgrade, also makes your ship a hell of a lot tougher, but it's expensive, adds a lot of weight on the bigger ships, and that means less jump range, so it's a big trade off, but if you go without shields, well worth it I think.
I had my T9 with a biweave and a single HRP on it, as I value survival more than cargo space, and I knew I'd be landing on the surface and sometimes that doesn't work out as well as I'd prefer, hence the shield and HRP, keeps you alive when you smack into the ground usually. I personally can't stand the T9, tried it twice, sold it again real fast both times, just not for me. Kudos to the folks who love flying them, they are great looking ships, I just can't deal with the handling.
I had my T9 with a biweave and a single HRP on it, as I value survival more than cargo space, and I knew I'd be landing on the surface and sometimes that doesn't work out as well as I'd prefer, hence the shield and HRP, keeps you alive when you smack into the ground usually. I personally can't stand the T9, tried it twice, sold it again real fast both times, just not for me. Kudos to the folks who love flying them, they are great looking ships, I just can't deal with the handling.