[mark_]

I can send you some cougar...there are of course different gauges and some is wound and some not. I can get my hands on lots for free...let me know.

[Rotorcrazy]

Pretty well the same stuff in our hobby. K&S sells a variety of different diameter wire in 3ft lengths. Basically Music wire (or Piano wire) is high tensile strength wire with a good amount of spring to it. Should work fine for your application.

http://www.greathobbies.com/search/r...&srchdes=music

[Arceenut]

Check out some of the automotive supply shops. Many have a selection.

[Max]

If you are stuck, instead of piano wire, another option would be to
1) use 2 tension springs on the front/back of the ski, or
2) thin wire/string to the back of the ski and a spring(or rubber band) on the front.

Both are suitable alternates

Good luck

[Cougar429]

Thought of that, as I have adequate springs. Only problem is I would have to add some form of anchor points on the leaf gear. Not a real problem, just hoping to make the ski self contained so the leaf would not be modified in any way that weakens it.