I can't speak for what your old springs were, but I can tell you that the PAC retainers for 1409 beehives are thinner, lighter and stronger than most. Typically, they have a higher natural installed height because of this compared to the other brand beehive retainers out there.
E mail me with specifics and I can offer some suggestions on PAC part numbers for keepers depending upon the valves you use.
Jimschaechter@earthlink.net