Updated: 09/06/2018 13:22:12

Expert: David Weinberg

Everyone is familiar with such a transportation device as a skateboard, but few have heard of a penny board. However, this board dates back to the 70s and is suitable for those who have already mastered a few cool techniques. It features smooth running, lighter weight and small size.

Which is better, a penny board or a skateboard?

Board type	Penny board	Skateboard
Advantages	Light weight; Maneuverability; Strength of the material; Availability of LEDs; Variety of design; Compact size; Soft turns; Fast driving; Easy to clean; High degree of cross-country ability.	Suitable for beginners; Relatively low price; Performing spectacular stunts.
Flaws	The need to completely replace wheels when they wear out; Difficulty performing tricks; Costs more than a skateboard.	Heavy weight; Lack of flexibility; High risk of mechanical damage.

How to choose a penny board

Among the huge range of products, it is sometimes difficult to choose the best penny board. When purchasing, you should rely on certain recommendations:

1. Penny boards are available in 2 sizes - 22 and 27 inches. The first is considered practical and fast, suitable for children up to 140 centimeters tall who have experience skateboarding. The 27 is designed for larger foot sizes and has less maneuverability.
2. Before purchasing, you should try out the deck by standing on it and driving around for a while. It shouldn't bend too much.
3. The plastic of the board should not be too hard.
4. You should not purchase a product with plastic wheels.
5. The higher the digital marker of the bearings, the better their elements are made.
6. It is worth giving preference to penny boards with aluminum tracks (suspensions).
7. There is no need to chase a premium penny board; more expensive does not mean better.
8. Many modern teenagers dream of exclusive models that cost up to 20 thousand rubles. Beginners will find analogues of branded boards at reasonable prices - from 3 to 5 thousand rubles. The rating of the best penny boards, compiled taking into account consumer reviews and quality-price ratio, will help you make the right choice.

Rating of the best penny board manufacturers

The best penny board companies for children and teenagers

The leader in structural strength is the Australian brand Penny Australia, whose specialists worked hard to create a unique plastic composition. They used the latest technology and experimented with carbon fiber. This helped them find the optimal formula for the perfect board. Externally, the models look very impressive, they do not bend under the weight of the rider and are lightweight.

The brand produces both plain and printed colors of penny boards. The length of the decks is 56 centimeters. Even a beginner can feel confident on such a board. The suspension is protected from corrosion by a special coating. The wheels have a size of 59 millimeters and a hardness of 78A. This prevents you from developing super speed. The product belongs to the middle price category.

The LBoard brand produces skateboarding devices that young riders and their parents cannot resist. The company relied on a unique design and compliance with all traditional characteristics. The 22-inch model is produced both in a single-color style and in bright color options. The plastic deck has a corrugated surface with anti-slip properties. This allows you to increase traction with the shoe sole and maintain balance during sharp turns.

This participant in the rating is distinguished by custom 4-inch suspensions and wheels with a diameter of 59 millimeters. The width of the board is 15.2 cm, ideal for a child or teenager. The device takes up little space in the trunk, but it is not the lightest in weight (2.5 kg). The price of the product reaches 6 thousand rubles and is quite consistent with the quality. To get an original product at a reasonable price, you need to follow periodic promotions.

For about 25 years, the Russian company “Sports Collection” has been producing various equipment for riders. Inexpensive penny boards MaxCity are in great demand. They are made from environmentally friendly raw materials under the strict supervision of specialists. Durable plastic deck is not afraid of water and sudden temperature changes. Unlike wooden skateboards, the material does not deform. The 22-inch model is equipped with 59 mm wheels.

The penny board is approved for use by children aged four years and older; its maximum load is 80 kilograms. Polyurethane wheels have excellent grip on the road surface and smooth out vibration from uneven surfaces. Buyers note their good wear resistance, easy maneuverability due to ABEC 5 bearings and a six-inch wide suspension. The price of the product is slightly lower compared to other models in the rating.

The best companies of unisex penny boards for adults

The choice of board for an adult depends on his weight, size and width of the foot. Initially, penny boards were created for experienced, older skaters. They do not have any significant differences from the children's deck. The only thing is that people with large feet choose not a 22-inch board, but a 27-inch model.

Shark

The ideal means of transportation for active people is a penny board from Shark. The models are presented in various colors and allow you to carry your board on the bus or subway due to its compact size. The American manufacturer took care of its customers and equipped the products with LED strips and lighting. The board can be seen at any time from a considerable distance. It is worth considering that recharging takes about 2-3 hours. The decks can withstand weights of up to 100 kg and are made of high-quality plastic and polyurethane.

Among the technical features of the penny board are the anti-slip coating and rubberized wheels with a diameter of 60 millimeters. The standard curve of the heel helps control movement, and the aluminum suspension provides comfortable maneuvering. The price of the penny board is consistent with the quality. You will have to pay about 8 thousand rubles for it.

The next model in the rating is a 22-inch polypropylene penny board. Such a product will be not only a means of transportation, but also a fashion accessory. The original colors catch the eye and surprise others. The deck is highly maneuverable and fast. Its suspension is made of aluminum alloy, which is quite lightweight for transportation. Wheels with a diameter of 60 millimeters and ABEC-7 bearings provide instant acceleration and long rides without auxiliary push-offs.

To eliminate the risk of counterfeiting, the company marks its mini-cruisers with the TF logo. This indicates a unique production technology. Among the presented assortment, lovers of bright and enchanting prints and plain shades will find a suitable option. One of the popular models is the TLS-401G LED PRINT SPACE AGE. Its price is quite affordable - from 2290 rubles.

Globe

Penny boards from the Australian brand Globe are created based on rigorous testing and advice from professional athletes. This is a whole line of nice boards that have a curved rear part in the form of a double fin, which allows you to control the riding process and perform high-quality clicks. The main parameters include polyurethane wheels measuring 59 millimeters, high-class bearings with a hardness of 78A.

Despite the grooved surface, many buyers find the board a little slippery. But she is able to move so smoothly that it creates the feeling of flying. The deck develops crazy speed due to its aerodynamic characteristics and perfectly smooth wheels with excellent grip on the road surface. The most popular model, Graphic Bantam S, will cost approximately 6,350 rubles.

The best penny board companies for girls

For the fairer sex, penny boards with a 22-inch deck, also called penni original, are suitable. This is the optimal choice in terms of size and weight. This board is used for short walks around the city and performing tricks.

Sulov

The quality of products from the Czech company Sulov was appreciated by girls who often move on the board. Brand products are made of durable plastic and can withstand loads of up to one hundred kilograms. On such a deck it is easy to perform unpredictable turns, jumps and maneuverable detours around obstacles.

The classic size of 22 inches is ideal for fragile ladies. The main parameters of the product include ABEC 7 class bearings, rigid wheels (85A), and an original design solution. The collection includes light green, purple, violet models. Penny board from Sulov can change color. The brighter the sun shines, the richer its shade. The cost of the models is about 6 thousand rubles.

The domestic company UNIONBOARDS produces a line of penny boards in China. Until 2017, it produced products under the name “Union”, and then “Plastboards”. The company has more than ten years of experience in this field. By studying the properties of suspensions, wheels and decks, experts tried to create models that are as similar as possible to the original Penny skate not only in appearance, but also in driving characteristics.

Union is not a cheap fake, but a high-quality analogue of popular boards. The models have an anti-slip surface that allows you to stand firmly on your feet even in rainy weather. The suspension is made of aluminum, all the nuts in it are self-locking, that is, they do not unscrew when riding. The responsiveness of the board is ensured by rubber bushings. Wheel size is 59 millimeters. Price – about 6500 rubles.

The product of the Russian company Moove&Fun is intended for young skaters, but the models present in the assortment are excellent for girls. The maximum load on the board is 100 kg. Unique colors are distinguished by their non-standard nature, trendy prints, careful application of images and their durability.

22- and 27-inch designs are optimal for cruising, but it’s better not to perform cool tricks on them. Polyurethane wheels with ABEC 5 bearings prevent you from developing too high a speed. The models are lightweight and miniature; they easily fit in a backpack or trunk. Price – from 5 thousand rubles.

The first plastic skateboard was created in 1973. But this product gained real popularity in 2011. It was this year that Ben Mackay founded the Australian brand Penny. The biggest difference between a penny and a longboard or skate is the material the deck is made from. The penny board is plastic, not wood. When McKay experimented with skateboard materials, he settled on plastic as soon as he made a prototype of the future skateboard with it. This material provided excellent strength and responsiveness.

Penny board components

Deca

Traditionally made of plastic, the composition of which, according to the manufacturer, is kept in the strictest confidence. This approach to creating a long allows you to make it as durable, light, and responsive as possible for the rider. On the Internet you can find many videos with penny bending tests, and even after running over the board with a car, the deck does not deform.

To prevent the rider from slipping, there is a raised pattern on the top of the deck. The sandpaper can be glued on top, but, in my opinion, the board will lose its aesthetic appearance, and initially the legs will not fly off the board.

Suspension

The pendant is made of aluminum alloy, which is determined by the necessary strength of this pennyboard unit. The suspension composition is classic, without any engineering frills: two parts connected by a bolt with bushings. When the nut is tightened, the suspension becomes stiffer, and when loosened, it becomes softer.

Wheels

Penny wheels are made of polyurethane, with a plastic or aluminum core. Wheel sizes are 59mm - diameter and 40mm - wheel width. In terms of rigidity, the 78A wheels are worth every penny, which allows you to “not notice” minor road irregularities, but at the same time they have a good roll. Equipped with ABEC 7 bearings.

Types of Penny skateboards

Penny has two in total: 22 inch Original and 27 inch Nickel. Also, the width of the suspension on the Original is 3 inches, instead of 4 inches on the Nickel.

There are many subspecies among them:

Complete - single-color longboards.

Custom - bright multi-colored boards.

Pastel - delicate pastel colors.

There are also others, for example, Marble - marble design, Fluoro - evening neon colors.

Separately, I would like to say about Organic‘e. The decks of these skates are made from a completely biodegradable material that does not harm the environment when decomposed. Currently out of production.

Which Penny should I choose, 22″ or 27″?

In my opinion, you need to proceed from what you want to get from the board. If you need mobility: you rode a board a little, got on the subway/bus, got off and rode on a stump again - then I definitely recommend the 22 model, simply because it is very light and easy to carry. You can even throw it in a backpack.

With the growing popularity of penny boards, the number of models offered to buyers on the Ukrainian market has recently increased. A lot of different stores have appeared that, in the wake of the popularity of penny boards, want to make money, but do not at all understand the various models of penny boards. Everyone talks about how penny boards weigh very little and are easy to carry, but for some reason no one mentions the exact weight of certain models. Among those who want to buy a penny board, there are fragile girls for whom 2-3 kg is already a lot of weight, and adult guys for whom 10 kg don’t matter. Whether a penny board weighs a lot or a little should be decided by the person who is going to buy a penny and ride on it.

In this article we will try to answer the question of how much a penny board weighs. Let’s make a reservation right away that we present all the figures for the models of penny boards presented on the pages of our online store.

The weight of the Penny 22 model with a deck size of 22x6 inches (56x15 cm) varies from 1 kg 650 grams to 1 kg 790 grams. The difference in the weight of Penny Board 22 is indicated for a reason; the whole point is that the classic original Penny weighs 1,650 kg. But the version of the penny with a luminous or illuminated deck weighs up to 1,790 kg. This difference is explained by the fact that luminous penny boards have LEDs and a battery installed, which give a little extra weight. Also, the increased weight may be due to the use of plastic of different compositions for the manufacture of the deck.

For penny boards with a deck size of 27x7.5 inches (71x19 cm), the weight varies from 2 kg 560 grams to 2 kg 690 grams. As you can see, the penny board itself, due to its increased size, weighs a little more than its younger brother, and the difference in weight may even be due to the use of different prints applied to the lower part of the deck.

The weight of the classic Penny model is the standard for plastic skates, and all manufacturers strive to get as close as possible to these values. If you come across a penny board that is quite different from the standard values, then most likely you are looking at a low-quality fake. The weight of fakes may be lower due to the use of lower quality plastic for the soundboard or a lighter and less durable alloy for the suspension. Much higher weight can be due to the use of various heavy and harmful metals for the production of the suspension.

In any case, in order to avoid buying a low-quality fake that can break under you while driving, you should buy a penny board in a specialized online store where professionals work. By contacting us, you will receive the most detailed advice on all issues related to the characteristics of a penny board, choosing the right model and subsequent purchase.

Penny board riding is part of youth culture. Teenagers with bright boards on wheels can be found on the streets and in parks. An invention similar in design to skateboards came from Australia. The idea of ​​its creation is to allow residents of large cities to move at a good speed. It is best to learn to ride penny boards with the whole family, involving its little members 5-7 years old.

Penny board is a small skate that allows children and adults to quickly move around the city

History of penny boards

Board manufacturer Penny became famous in the 1970s for producing plastic skateboards as an alternative to the popular wooden boards of the time. However, the time for penny boards to ride had not yet come, and the company curtailed its work. The second attempt to return to the market in the 2000s was successful. The company offered a wide range of colorful boards for city riding that have earned success.

The plastic alloy deck reduces the weight of the riding tool, and the adjustable suspension ensures a stable position for the longboarder. Penny Original are lightweight and maneuverable boards that fit comfortably in a backpack. They are sometimes called "pocket skateboards". However, they are not easy to ride as they require great coordination.

Features of a penny board

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A penny board is a smaller copy of a skateboard with some design differences. It is suitable for children, teenagers and young girls who are comfortable with speed and excellent coordination of movements. Main features of the riding tool:

• bright design - fashionable colors, original patterns, as demonstrated by photos in Penny company catalogs;
• wide polyurethane wheels (diameter 59 mm) with high quality replaceable bearings (ABEC 7);

Wide, durable wheels withstand loads well

• deck material is a durable and at the same time lightweight plastic alloy (that’s why the boards are called plastboards);
• a correctly curved tail, which allows you to jump onto the sidewalk and perform interesting tricks;
• Anti-slip deck pattern that helps maintain balance.

Board sizes

Table of sizes of boards produced by the Australian company Penny:

Boards with a deck length of 91 cm are called longboards - these are adult boards designed for professionals. Plast boards with a deck width of 56 and 69 cm are suitable for children and teenagers. 27' boards are designed for beginners and those with wide feet. Teenagers with excellent coordination of movements hone their skills on an elegant 22-inch instrument.

Difference between a penny board and a skateboard

Penny boards and skateboards are almost analogues. They are structurally similar and are designed for street riding, but they also have differences, the main one of which is the size of the boards. Penny is small in size, making it suitable for use by children and teenagers. They are made of durable polymer materials and have softer wheels. Thanks to this, riding plastboards guarantees good grip and stability, although their speed is lower than that of skateboards.

Due to the design features, a penny board is inferior in speed to a skateboard

Subtypes of boards

Penny plastboards come in a variety of features and designs. The manufacturer produces the following types of riding boards:

• custom – bright and expressive boards (wide range of colors);
• fadex – customers create the penny design themselves, which is suitable for creative people;
• marbles – penny board with marble design;
• complete – the category combines boards of the same color;
• pastel - boards of delicate shades - mint, marshmallow, lemon, peach, which are suitable for girls 7-12 years old and teenage girls;
• fluorescents – glow in neon colors at night, ideal for boys 5-12 years old and young men;
• holiday – vintage style penny with Hawaiian motifs;
• penny board transparent - a classic that will appeal to boys and girls.

“custom” line

“Marbles” line
Board "pastel"
Board "holiday"

At what age should you start plastboarding?

Bright and light plastboards are suitable for children from 5 years of age. For children aged 5-10 years, special boards with a maximum load of 45 kg are produced. For teenagers, plastboards that can withstand a weight of 100 kg are recommended. Each model has its own weight restrictions, and this criterion should be taken into account when purchasing. To choose the right tool for skating, it is also important to consider your foot size and deck width.

Riding equipment

To learn to ride a pennyboard, you should prepare equipment. It will protect against injuries from accidental falls and allow you to train without restricting your movements. A beginning athlete needs:

• clothing that does not restrict movement according to the weather;
• knee pads;
• sleeves;
• gloves;
• helmet;
• sneakers with light soles for better grip on the board.

Injuries from falls are not uncommon, so it is advisable to always use protective equipment.

How to ride a penny board correctly?

Riding a penny board is a pleasure for those who love speed and spectacular tricks. Beginners need to learn how to place their feet on the deck correctly, be able to stop in time, gain and regulate speed. To do this, it is important to determine the leading leg.

• first you should stand with both feet on the board and stand still, trying to maintain balance;
• to start the movement, you should push off with one leg (the supporting leg is positioned with the toe forward between the front pair of wheels and the center of the board);
• don’t think about which leg to push off with – your body will tell you;
• legs can be changed so that none of them gets tired;
• the next goal is to gain speed and cover the distance without pushing off with your foot (the design of the board is ideal for just such a ride);
• after gaining speed, the second leg should be carefully placed on the board, the feet should be parallel to each other and located at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction of movement;
• for a new acceleration, you should turn your supporting leg (the one that stood on the board) with your toe in the direction of travel;
• if necessary, turn, you should transfer your weight to the supporting leg and tilt the plane of the board in the direction of the turn;
• It is important to slow down before turning to maintain your balance.

The ability to maneuver when cornering is affected by the degree of fixation of the suspension bolt. When it is pulled tight, the penny board is more stable and not subject to sharp turns - this position is recommended for beginners. As you master your riding skills, you can loosen the bolt, which will allow you to maneuver during rides. You can hold your hands freely while riding, the body should be relaxed.

Once the penny board has already been mastered, you can perform a lot of tricks on it.

Plastboard capabilities

It is better to conduct your first skating lessons on flat terrain - in a park, at a stadium with asphalt or large tiles. Having mastered skiing on flat ground, you should try downhilling - using natural slopes that will help you enjoy speed without effort.

Those who have mastered plastboarding want to try different tricks. There are a number of basic maneuvers that form the basis for further effects. Among them are turns, figured passages, and complicated stances. All tricks that can be done on pennies can be done on skateboards (and vice versa). Professionals don’t see this as difficult, but they have to hone their skills for months.

Analogues of penny board

A good plastboard is one that is manufactured to Penny's standards. Currently, many fake boards of dubious quality have appeared. Marking will allow you to distinguish a fake. From pictures online you can see that the original board has Penny Australia written on it (in a circle or along the plastic support). There is an embossed P on the underside of the board. The wheels are also marked Penny and the bearings are Penny Skateboards Abec 7.

For those who cannot yet afford an original plastboard from Penny (their cost starts from 8 thousand rubles), you can look at affordable analogues. Among them are cruisers from Fish Board, Union, Sunset, Shark and other brands. They are maneuverable, and a number of models are also equipped with abec 7 bearings. Replacements should be selected based on similar criteria (children's weight, penny board sizes, style).

Penny board is a gift that will help instill in your child a love of sports and teach coordination of movements. Children love its bright design, maneuverability, speed, soft and smooth ride. Outdoor activity has a positive effect on a child’s health and helps to make friends with like-minded people. Penny board will not replace the section, but will allow you to have a good time in the company of family or friends

The online store site presents a huge assortment of penny boards, but choosing one of them is sometimes quite difficult. How to make the right choice?

A pennyboard, especially if it is your first, should not be chosen at random. An incorrectly selected penny board will not bring you any pleasure, and may even discourage you from ever getting on the board again.

How to decide on the size?

Penny boards are available in two sizes: 22 inches and 27 inches.

• Model 22" considered a classic, very maneuverable, fast and practical. But for a beginner, this model may seem unstable. It can be chosen as the first board, for example, for a child up to 140 cm tall, that is, whose height will be proportional to the length of the deck. Also suitable for those who have already skateboarded and understand what it is.
• Model 27" very good for people with large feet and for those who feel insecure on a small penny board. In addition to the increased length and width of the deck, the 27" penny board has larger tracks, which gives the board greater stability. But such a penny board loses in maneuverability and ease of transportation.

How to choose a deck?

When purchasing, do not hesitate to stand on the penny board and even drive a little. The deck should not bend too much under you, but it should not remain in the same position. Plastic as a deck material is good for its flexibility; it perfectly absorbs road unevenness, so it should not be too hard. A hard deck may crack or splinter under severe impact or stress.

How to choose wheels?

Penny board wheels are made primarily of polyurethane. This is a soft but wear-resistant material that does not make noise when driving and smoothes out imperfections in the road surface. You should not buy a penny board with plastic wheels. This is the cheapest and simplest option, these wheels rattle a lot when driving and you will feel every crack and pebble on the road. Riding a penny board with plastic wheels is definitely not going to be fun for you.

The wheels should be wide, rectangular in profile, with a diameter of no more than 70 mm and medium hardness (from 78A to 85A). These wheels are ideal for comfortable driving around the city: they can reach high speeds and prevent strong skidding when cornering.

How to choose bearings?

It is not recommended to choose high or low grade bearings for training: ABEC 9 is too sensitive and can be damaged by any accidental impact, and ABEC 1 is too short-lived. It is best to choose ABEC 5 or ABEC 7. The ability to achieve fairly high speeds and an affordable price make these bearings a favorite among professional riders.

How to choose tracks?

The tracks of a penny board are always wider than the deck. Tilt the penny board deck as far as possible to the side: if the correct tracks are installed, the deck will not catch the wheels.

You should give preference to penny boards with aluminum tracks: they can withstand heavy loads and are not as easy to break as plastic ones. Penny boards with plastic tracks are designed for children under 9-10 years old.

What is the maximum load to choose?

When choosing a penny board, always pay attention to the maximum load specified by the manufacturer. It must be taken into account that the load is not only the mass of the rider, but also the load that occurs during movement. Therefore, you cannot buy a penny board “back to back”; it is better to leave 20-30 kilograms in reserve.

The choice of the first penny board should be approached with all responsibility, so the managers of the online store site will always be able to answer your questions and help you choose the one that is right for you.