Ranking of the best penny boards for 2020

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 you 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. The board was originally flat with no rounding. The first wheels were made from metal, then from rubber, but with the invention of polyurethane, this sports equipment began to gain great popularity. Thanks to his ability to roll gently and smooth out bumps in the road, more and more athletes became interested in skateboarding.

The creator of the brand got acquainted with 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 started 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 took a long time to select the material from which to make the perfect skateboard - he conducted experiments with fiberglass and carbon fiber, and eventually came to where he started at 5 years old - plastic. To create the board that we see on sale now, we had to work hard, choose the right shape, adjust the suspension, select the desired wheel size. The correct balance of all these characteristics provided not only ease of control, but also maneuverability. Today, 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 all over the world.

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

What does a penny board consist of?

Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, the penny consists of several elements: the deck (the board itself), 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 to provide ease of operation 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 or run over by a car, and it passes all these tests with success. In order to prevent the foot from slipping during the trip, the board has a rough pattern on top. Some skateboarders put a piece of sandpaper on top of it, like sandpaper, which does the same thing. It is worth noting that when gluing such a skin, the appearance deteriorates, so before doing this, you should think carefully.
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 unremarkable, standard - two elements are connected with rubber gaskets and tightened with a bolt. It is easy to set up such a system - for tightening the bolt must be tightened, for softening - loosened. In branded pennies, all parts are fitted to each other, have no backlash.
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 rolls well and does not jump on small irregularities.

Penny species

There are three types of boards of this type: Original, Nickel, Longboard. The first type is 22 inches (56 centimeters) long and the wheels are 3 inches (almost 8 centimeters) wide. The second type is longer and wider than the first - 27 and 4 inches, respectively. The latter is the longest at 36 inches.

There are many colors and shades of penny available. The most common are plain, there are also multicolor 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 fully biodegradable plastic that does not harm the environment.

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

Signs of the original Penny

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

Signs of the original Pennies:

1. Penny Australia should be written on top of the deck. Any other modification speaks of a copy.
2. On the bottom of the harness there should be an inscription "Penny." It is with a point.
3. The same inscription without a dot must be on all wheels.
4. The 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 must be in contact with the ground, and the suspension is not skewed. All connecting elements are abundantly coated with a special compound.
7. The rubber seals in the suspension are soft and resilient, allowing for effortless cornering.
8. The bearings provide smooth rotation, all wheels must spin for a long time and without jerking.
9. Wheels are placed on the board only from polyurethane, they absorb unevenness and provide a good roll.

Rating of quality penny boards

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

For children and teenagers

This category of riders is usually characterized by little or no experience. It is important for both children and adolescents that the product is lightweight, has good maneuverability and is 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 roll-off and light weight.

• the model is inexpensive in price;
• light weight;
• easy to find on sale;
• wide range of colors.

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

Indigo LS-P2206-1

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

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

• according to buyers, noisy wheels.

Leader Kids S-2206E

This product received the "Buyers' 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 is longer than most children's skateboards, allowing teenagers with large feet to ride it. Buyers note a good roll-forward, high-quality materials and components, full-fledged functionality at a low cost. Because there is a bend in the deck on one side, it is suitable for tricks.

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

• not detected.

Ridex Spider 17 "

This skateboard immediately attracts attention with its bright and colorful color. The deck is made of blue plastic, the suspension is yellow, the wheels are red. Light weight, grade 7 bearings and a properly tuned suspension ensure long rolling without collapse. For kids 4-5 years old, it is not difficult to push off and roll a long distance, moreover, the child can carry a penny on his own. Buyers note that it is not immediately possible to get used to it, this is due to the light weight and narrow wheels, because of which the projectile becomes unstable when skating ineptly.

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

• plastic pendant;
• narrow wheels, with inept riding, lead to the child overturning and falling;
• suitable for a beginner toddler.

ecoBalance Cruiser Board

The product is available in two colors - a green deck with yellow wheels or a blue deck with yellow wheels. Can be used by children and teenagers up to 16 years old. Bearings of the highest grade, according to skaters' recommendations, such a penny is used to perform tricky tricks. On one side, the deck has a ledge, which is also appreciated by professional skaters. Buyers note the maneuverability and ease of handling the skate. 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 colours;
• durable materials of manufacture;
• for such components, the cruiser is inexpensive for the 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, let's draw up 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
Pendant 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
Pendant width, inches	3.25	no data	no data	no data	no data
Bearing class	ABEC 3	608Z	ABEC 7	ABEC 7	ABEC 9
Bearing stiffness	82 A	no data	78 A	no data	78 A
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 for adults

Penny Original 22 ″

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

• long roll;
• high controllability and maneuverability;
• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• high level components;
• suitable for men and women.

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

Penny Nickel 27 ″

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

• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• 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 the product;
• can be used for tricks.

• high price.

ATEMI APB-17.14

This model looks like the classic penny, but it costs an order of magnitude 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 permissible 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 placing your feet even with large shoes.

• bright color;
• seventh class of bearings;
• good roll forward;
• high permissible weight of the skater.

• heavy weight compared to analogues.

PWSport Fish 22

The model in question has an unusual appearance - there are notches on top of the deck surface, giving the board a resemblance to the body of a fish, which gave the name to the skateboard. For these recesses, the cruiser is convenient to carry in the 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 ensure that the board is lightweight, which allows you to take it with you when moving around the city light.

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

• some buyers note that the skate can go to one side when rolling.

Ridex Jungle 22

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

• good value for money;
• attractive appearance;
• long roll;
• correctly tuned suspension;
• suitable for riding around the city;
• large maximum permissible weight (110 kg).

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

To compare the characteristics of the models, let's draw up 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
Pendant material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
Deck size, L * W, inches	22*6	27*7,5	22,5*6	22*5,98	22*6
Pendant width, inches	3	4	no data	3	3.25
Bearing class	ABEC 7	ABEC 7	ABEC 7	ABEC 7	ABEC 7
Bearing stiffness	83 A	78 A	78 A	78 A	78 A
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 vibrant custom colors as well as bearings (grade 7, waterproof). You can ride the board in any weather without fear of accidentally or deliberately driving into a puddle. Skaters note that this model is a good budget substitute for the original penny board. The product is made in Russia, and many buyers, doubting when buying a skate of which 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 the compactness makes it possible to take it with you when walking around the city. Due to the fact that the cruiser is small, it will not fit a guy or a man with a large foot, it will be the best option for a girl. Buyers note that the skateboard rides well on the road, absorbs bumps with confidence, and also easily enters corners. 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 at the edges are easily erased, and the penny loses its entire appearance.

• quality materials;
• bearings of the seventh class;
• correctly 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 painting 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 from the 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. The bushings are made of polyurethane with a medium degree of rigidity, which makes it easy to operate the cruiser.

• there is a backlight with a mode change function, USB charging;
• attractive appearance;
• good handling;
• budget price;
• can be used for tricks;
• seventh class of bearings.

• not detected.

Playshion FS-LS002

This board is classified as a longboard due to the length of the deck (27 inches).It is perfect for beginner skaters, as due to its length it has great stability, and does not provide an opportunity to make an accidental sharp maneuver. Grade 9 bearings allow for long and soft rolling even on uneven surfaces. As with the previous model, the wheels and deck are illuminated here. The product is offered in various colors - white, green, blue.

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

• not suitable for fragile girls, as the cruiser is massive and heavy.

RGX PNB-06

The review concludes with a Chinese-made product, which can also compete with eminent brands. The manufacturer claims that the cruiser can withstand a person's weight of up to 100 kilograms, which indicates the strength of the plastic. The deck has built-in multi-colored LEDs that add vibrant color to city driving. The backlight is charged using a USB cable. Customers note the bright colors, agility and ease of handling the cruiser. Due to its compact size and light weight, the singing board is suitable for walking around the city.

• bright colours;
• bearings of the seventh class;
• light weight (1.5 kilograms);
• handling and maneuverability;
• the cruiser is capable of supporting heavy weight.

• difficult to find on sale.

Summary Comparison Table:

Index	UNION Plastboard 22.5	PWSport Flash 22	Playshion FS-LS002	RGX PNB-06
Deck material	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic
Pendant material	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum	aluminum
Deck size, L * W, inches	22.5 (length)	22*6	27*7,40	22*6
Pendant width, inches	no data	3	no data	3.25
Bearing class	ABEC 7	ABEC 7	ABEC 9	ABEC 7
Bearing stiffness	78 A	78 A	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

Choosing which penny board is better to buy is not easy, as there is a wide variety of them in specialized stores. Shop consultants strive to sell the most expensive board, because their salary depends on the value of the sold product.

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

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