Ranking the best penny boards for 2022

Penny board. When an ordinary person hears this word, he can hardly imagine what it is and what it is for. In fact, it is a small plastic skateboard. The article will tell about the best penny boards.

A bit of history

For the first time, a plastic board was made back in the 1950s by surfers who did not always have the opportunity to ride the waves in bad weather, but it gained wide popularity only after 2011 - during this period, Australian Ben McKay created the Penny trademark. Initially, the board was flat, without roundings. The first wheels were made of metal, then rubber, but with the invention of polyurethane, this sports equipment began to gain great popularity. Due to the fact that he had the ability to roll smoothly and smooth out the bumps in the road, an increasing number of athletes became interested in a skateboard.

The creator of the brand met the board at the age of five, and since then the hobby has captured him so much that it has become his life's work. Gradually he developed his skating skills, grew up, got a job as a carpenter, but did not give up the idea of ​​​​creating his own type of skateboard that would be different from others. He eventually quit his job and set up his own business. Due to the fact that the novice businessman had little experience, for a long time he did not succeed, and all his entourage persuaded Ben to leave this idea.

McKay spent a long time choosing the material from which to make the perfect skateboard - he experimented with fiberglass and carbon fiber, and eventually came to where he started at the age of 5 - plastic. To create the board that we see now for sale, I had to work hard, find the right shape, set up the suspension, choose the right wheel size. The correct ratio of all these characteristics provided not only ease of control, but also maneuverability.To date, the name penny board has become a household name. Boards of this type are made by a huge number of manufacturers, and the popularity of these models is growing around the world.

In this article, we will tell you how to choose a plastic skateboard, which type is better to buy for a particular situation, and what to look for so as not to make mistakes when choosing. We will also compile a rating with an overview of popular models based on reviews from real customers.

What is a penny board made of?

Despite the apparent simplicity of design, a penny consists of several elements: a deck (the board itself), a suspension and wheels.

1. Deca. As mentioned earlier, it is made of plastic, the specific composition of which is a trade secret. It has been selected for ease of handling as well as strength and reliability. On the Internet, you can find a large number of crash tests in which they check the strength of the board for bending, try to break it or run it over with a car, and it successfully withstands all these tests. To ensure that the foot does not slip during the trip, the board has a rough pattern on top. Some skateboarders stick a piece of sandpaper over the top that does the same thing. It is worth noting that when sticking such a skin, the appearance deteriorates, so you should think carefully before doing this.
2. Suspension. Its load-bearing elements are most often made of aluminum, which provides two parameters at once - lightness and strength. The suspension device of the board in question is without features, standard - two elements are connected by rubber gaskets and tightened with a bolt.Such a system is easy to set up - to tighten the bolt, you need to tighten it, to soften it, loosen it. In branded pennies, all parts are fitted to each other, they do not have backlashes.
3. Wheels. For better rolling they are made of polyurethane, with a metal or plastic core. The manufacturer has chosen such a balance of rigidity so that the product has a good roll, and at the same time does not jump on small irregularities.

Types of Pennies

In total there are three types of boards of this type: Original, Nickel, Longboard. The first type has a length of 22 inches (56 centimeters), the width of the wheels is 3 inches (almost 8 centimeters). The second type is longer and wider than the first - 27 and 4 inches, respectively. The latter has the greatest length - 36 inches.

There are a large number of colors and shades of pennies. The most common are plain, there are also multi-color and pastel colors. In the sale of used boards, you can find an unusual type - Organic. It has already been discontinued, but still worthy of attention - the model is made of completely biodegradable plastic, which does not harm the environment.

According to the advice of experts, it is best to choose the size of a skateboard depending on where and how you plan to ride. If compactness and light weight are required, it is better to stay on Original - you can take such a board with you everywhere, it fits even in a medium-sized backpack. The second model is suitable for men with large feet (45 and above), as well as those who prefer a confident and stable ride. The third model is bought mainly by longboarders, and for small short rides it will not work.

Signs of the original Penny

Due to the fact that a large number of low-quality fakes have appeared on sale, I would like to separately mention how to choose an original board.

Features of original Penny:

1. On top of the deck should be the inscription Penny Australia. Any other modification speaks of a copy.
2. On the bottom of the pendant should be the inscription "Penny.". Exactly with a dot.
3. The same inscription without a dot must be on all wheels.
4. Bearings must be purple.
5. The deck should be made of high-quality, elastic and rough plastic, from which the foot does not slip.
6. All wheels should touch the ground, the suspension should not be skewed. All connecting elements are abundantly coated with a special compound.
7. Rubber seals in the suspension are soft and elastic, allowing you to enter turns effortlessly.
8. Bearings provide smooth rotation, all wheels should spin for a long time and without jerks.
9. The wheels on the board are placed only from polyurethane, they absorb bumps and provide a good roll.

Rating of quality penny boards

For convenience, we will divide our review into the following categories: for children and teenagers, unisex for adults, for girls.

For children and teenagers

This category of riders is usually characterized by little or no experience. For both children and teenagers, it is important that the product has a low weight, good maneuverability, and it must be sufficiently stable.

Novus NPB-19.23

The popularity of this model among teenagers is due to its low cost and good quality components.Due to the fact that the appearance of the board is important for the target audience, it is offered in a wide range of colors: black, red, yellow, purple, blue, pink, orange. The model in question is yellow. The deck and suspension are made of plastic. The cruiser is characterized by good rolling and low weight.

• the model is inexpensive;
• light weight;
• easy to find on sale;
• a wide selection of colors.

• the suspension is made of plastic, which is why it will not last long;
• low grade bearings.

Indigo LS-P2206-1

The model is offered in three colors - blue, light green and purple. It is distinguished by the presence of a protrusion on one side, which allows you to do various tricks on a skateboard. Suitable for those who already have little riding skills, although a beginner can master it without problems. This penny is longer than the previous one, and weighs 0.5 kilograms more.

• aluminum suspension;
• there is a ledge on the deck for tricks;
• Attractive design, suitable for boys and girls;
• budget price.

• according to buyers, noisy wheels.

Leader Kids S-2206E

This product received the "Customers' Choice" status on Yandex Market - it has a large number of reviews, and most of them are positive. The product is in the TOP of the best for this price. The Penny has a longer length than most children's skateboards, allowing teenagers with large feet to ride on it. Buyers note a good roll forward, high-quality materials and components, full-fledged functionality at a low cost. Due to the fact that there is a curved body on one side, it is suitable for tricks.

• high class bearings;
• long rolling;
• easy entry into turns;
• inexpensive in price;
• withstands heavy loads;
• many positive customer reviews.

• not detected.

Ridex Spider 17"

This skateboard immediately attracts attention with a bright and colorful color. The deck is made of blue plastic, the suspension is yellow, the wheels are red. Light weight, seventh grade bearings and properly tuned suspension contribute to long rolling without blocking. For 4-5 year olds, it is not difficult to push off and roll a long distance, besides, the child can carry pennies on his own. Buyers note that it is not possible to get used to it immediately, this is due to the light weight and narrow wheels, due to which the projectile becomes unstable when skiing is inept.

• bearings of the seventh class;
• light weight;
• budget price;
• bright colors are liked by children;
• can be ordered online in most specialized online stores;
• attractive color looks good in the photo.

• plastic suspension;
• narrow wheels with inept skating lead to tipping and falling of the child;
• suitable for a beginner kid.

ecoBalance Cruiser Board

The product is offered in two colors - green deck with yellow wheels or blue deck with yellow wheels. Can be used by children and adolescents up to 16 years of age. Bearings of the highest level, according to the recommendations of skaters, such a penny is used to perform difficult tricks. On the one hand, the deck has a ledge, which is also appreciated by professional skaters. Buyers note the maneuverability and ease of control of the skateboard. Good value for money.The suspension is made of aluminum and does not require additional adjustment.

• the best class of bearings;
• large age range;
• high controllability and maneuverability;
• bright colors;
• durable materials of manufacture;
• for such components, the cruiser is inexpensive in price.

• due to the design features, the wheels on the axles do not sit rigidly, and have a backlash that prevents beginners from mastering penny riding.

In order to compare the technical characteristics of cruisers, we will compile a summary comparative table:

Index	Novus NPB-19.23	Indigo LS-P2206-D	Leader Kids S-2206E	Ridex Spider 17''	ecoBalance Cruiser Board
deck material	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic
suspension material	plastic	aluminum	aluminum	plastic	aluminum
Deck size, l * w, inches	17*5	22,24*5,91	22,05*5,98	17*5	22*5,91
Suspension width, inches	3.25	no data	no data	no data	no data
Bearing class	ABEC 3	608Z	ABEC7	ABEC7	ABEC9
Bearing stiffness	82 A	no data	78 A	no data	78A
Wheel diameter, mm	60	60	60	50	56
Wheel thickness, mm	45	45	40	30	no data
Weight, kg	1.2	1.7	1.75	1	1.9
Maximum load, kg	no data	no data	80	25	90
Average price, rub.	800	1450	900	740	1600

Unisex adult

Penny Original 22″

The Penny model under consideration is the standard of boards of this type. Despite the fact that on sale you can find a large number of new products from the world's best manufacturers, many skaters prefer this classic model. The size of the deck is suitable not only for women, but also for men. A wide selection of colors will allow you to choose pennies depending on the wishes of the buyer.Buyers note the durable material of the deck, high maneuverability and controllability of the soft suspension travel and small size - the skateboard is suitable for moving around the city.

• long run;
• high controllability and maneuverability;
• high-quality manufacturing materials;
• high-level components;
• suitable for men and women.

• some buyers complain about how much the device costs, since price is the main selection criterion for most.

Penny Nickel 27″

This model from the manufacturer Penny differs from the previous one in an increased length of the deck, which contributes to greater stability and less maneuverability, which is important in the initial stages of skateboarding. The main thing that distinguishes it from other similar longboards is the incredible strength of the materials, the device is not damaged even after being hit by a car. This is achieved due to impact-resistant and elastic plastic, which bends, but does not break. Due to the length, it is not always convenient to ride a board around the city - it is massive and takes up a lot of space. There is a kicktail on the back, which makes it possible to use pennies to perform tricks.

• high-quality manufacturing materials;
• a large selection of colors;
• bearings of the seventh class;
• maneuverability;
• due to the fact that the brand is well-known, buyers do not have problems with where to buy goods;
• can be used for tricks.

• high price.

ATEMI APB-17.14

This model looks like a classic penny, but is much cheaper, which ensures its popularity among buyers. Bright and rich color will appeal to both men and women.According to the description on the manufacturer's website, the allowable weight of the skater reaches 120 kilograms, which allows it to be used not only by teenagers, but also by adults for tricks. The surface of the deck is non-slip, there is enough space for setting the foot even with large shoe sizes.

• bright color;
• seventh grade bearings;
• good rolling;
• high allowable weight of the skater.

• heavy weight, in comparison with analogues.

PWSport Fish 22

The model under consideration has an unusual appearance - there are notches on top of the surface of the deck, giving the board a resemblance to the body of a fish, which gave the name to the skateboard. These recesses make it easy to carry the cruiser in your hands. Buyers note strong elastic plastic, soft silent wheels, as well as bright colors that attract the attention of others. The aluminum suspension and polyurethane wheels keep the board light, making it easy to take with you when traveling light around the city.

• budget price;
• seventh class of bearings (the manufacturer claims that they are water resistant);
• light weight;
• unusual design;
• comfortable to carry in hands;
• bright colors.

• some buyers note that the skate can go in one direction when rolling.

Ridex Jungle 22

This model has an unusual appearance - a bright yellow-green-red deck in combination with black wheels make it impossible to pass by without turning around. According to the manufacturer's description, the paint is applied according to the technology - it forms a velvety-matte coating that prevents accidental slipping of the foot.According to buyers, this technology is imperfect - after a while, the red and green colors are erased, and the skateboard turns yellow. The bearings are made of chrome steel. They provide not only easy rotation of the wheels, but also a smooth and smooth ride in turns.

• good value for money;
• attractive appearance;
• long run;
• properly tuned suspension;
• suitable for city riding;
• large maximum permissible weight (110 kg).

• difficult to find on sale;
• according to user reviews, green and red paint will peel off over time, which is why the skateboard loses its attractiveness.

To compare the characteristics of the models, we will compile a summary comparative table:

Index	Penny Original 22	Penny Nickel 27	ATEMI APB-17.14	PWSport Fish 22	Ridex Jungle 22
deck material	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic
suspension material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
Deck size, l * w, inches	22*6	27*7,5	22,5*6	22*5,98	22*6
Suspension width, inches	3	4	no data	3	3.25
Bearing class	ABEC7	ABEC7	ABEC7	ABEC7	ABEC7
Bearing stiffness	83A	78A	78A	78A	78A
Shock absorber stiffness	no data	no data	no data	no data	85 A
Wheel diameter, mm	59	59	59	59	60
Wheel thickness, mm	no data	no data	45	45	45
Weight, kg	no data	no data	2	no data	1.95
Maximum load, kg	no data	no data	no data	no data	no data
Average price, rub.	7600	11000	2100	1250	3640

For girls

UNION Plastboard 22.5

This skate features bright custom colors as well as bearings (class 7, waterproof). You can ride the board in any weather without fear of accidentally or intentionally driving into a puddle.Skateboarders note that this model is a good budget replacement for the original penny board. The product is made in Russia, and many buyers, doubting when buying which skate company is better to buy, undeservedly deprive it of attention, believing that domestic products cannot be of high quality.

The length of the deck allows both adults and children to ride comfortably, and its compactness makes it possible to take it with you when walking around the city. Due to the fact that the cruiser is small in size, it will not fit a guy or a man with a large foot size, it will be the best option for a girl. Buyers note that the skateboard rides well on the roads, confidently absorbs bumps, and also easily enters turns. It is not recommended to buy boards that are painted in several colors - as a rule, the color that is in the middle is the main one, and those that are on the edges are easily erased, and the penny loses its whole look.

• quality materials;
• bearings of the seventh class;
• properly tuned suspension;
• good value for money;
• one of the best replacements for the original penny, of those that are available in stationary stores;
• confident and long roll.

• multi-color coloring is erased during operation;
• the model is not popular, many believe that Russian-made goods cannot be of high quality.

PWSport Flash 22

This unusual skateboard will interest both "big" girls and "little ones". Its main feature is the presence of LED-backlight (with several modes), which is charged by a USB cable. Polyurethane wheels and high-quality bearings make it possible to get the most out of riding.Joints and defects in the road surface are almost not felt while driving. Bushings (sealing rubber bands) are made of polyurethane with a medium degree of rigidity, which makes it easy to control the cruiser.

• there is a backlight with the function of changing modes, charging from USB;
• attractive appearance;
• good handling;
• budget price;
• can be used for tricks;
• seventh grade bearings.

• not detected.

Playshion FS-LS002

This board is categorized as a longboard due to the length of the deck (27 inches). It is perfect for beginner skaters, because due to the length it has great stability, and does not allow you to make an accidental sharp maneuver. Ninth grade bearings allow you to achieve a long and soft rolling even on uneven surfaces. As in the previous model, the wheels and deck glow here. The product is offered in various colors - white, green, blue.

• there is a backlight;
• ninth grade bearings;
• a wide deck allows beginners to quickly learn how to ride and maneuver on a longboard;
• a large selection of colors;
• attractive appearance.

• not suitable for fragile girls, as the cruiser is massive and has a lot of weight.

RGX PNB-06

The review is completed by a Chinese-made product, which can also compete with famous brands. The manufacturer claims that the cruiser can withstand the weight of a person up to 100 kilograms, which indicates the strength of the plastic. The deck has built-in multi-colored LEDs that add bright colors to the ride around the city. The backlight is charged using a USB cable. Buyers note bright colors, maneuverability and ease of control of the cruiser.Due to its compact size and light weight, singing board is suitable for walking around the city.

• bright colors;
• bearings of the seventh class;
• light weight (1.5 kilograms);
• controllability and maneuverability;
• the cruiser is able to withstand a lot of weight.

• hard to find for sale.

Summary Comparison Table:

Index	UNION Plastboard 22.5	PWSport Flash 22	Playshion FS-LS002	RGX PNB-06
deck material	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic
suspension material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
Deck size, l * w, inches	22.5 (length)	22*6	27*7,40	22*6
Suspension width, inches	no data	3	no data	3.25
Bearing class	ABEC7	ABEC7	ABEC9	ABEC7
Bearing stiffness	78A	78A	no data	78 A
Wheel diameter, mm	60	56	60	60
Wheel thickness, mm	no data	no data	45	45
Weight, kg	2	no data	no data	no data
Maximum load, kg	no data	90	no data	100
Elements that glow	no data	deck and wheels	deck and wheels	soundboard
Average price, rub.	3300	2700	3200	3200

Conclusion

It is not easy to make a choice which penny board is better to buy, since there is a wide variety of them in specialized stores. Store consultants tend to sell the most expensive board, because their wages depend on the cost of the goods sold.

Due to the fact that the original brand is too hyped, part of its value is advertising, which goes to promote the product. Now in stores you can find a large number of inexpensive, but high-quality analogues that are in no way inferior to the original. It is best to focus on your own preferences for appearance and functionality, not forgetting to touch and examine the penny you buy in the store.Don't blindly buy a product, as not only can it cost you a lot of wasted money, but you can become frustrated with skating in general because of one poor quality board.

We hope that our review will help you understand all the variety of their models and types, and make the right choice!