All about penny boards: how to choose the best board and learn to ride it quickly and easily? How to choose your first penny board What is the difference between a skateboard and a penny board
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. The hard deck may crack or split due to strong blow or load.
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 must 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 find the one that is right for you.
One type of board for street skating is penny boards. The product is a small-sized skateboard, so it is most suitable for teenagers and children. Also, the boards are convenient for beginners and girls. Penny boards can be used to comfortably navigate urban environments. They are distinguished by their bright design and a wide selection of colors. You can buy a penny board in Moscow inexpensively in the 7Board online store. A wide range and low prices will allow you to make a profitable purchase.
Board Features
Since the main target audience is children and teenagers, the deck and components are made from affordable materials such as plastic and polypropylene. The main distinguishing feature of the products is their bright design that attracts attention. Penny boards are available in two sizes: 22 and 27 inches. Depending on age and experience, parents can choose the most suitable option for their child.
How to choose a penny board?
If you want to buy a product as a gift for a beginner, it is recommended to rely on the purpose of using the penny board. Its characteristics and functionality depend on the type of board. Since the main difference is the size of the board, it affects the characteristics of the movement:
- 22 inches or Penny Original. Small dimensions ensure lightness of construction. Used for traveling short distances and suitable for performing tricks. Quite fast and maneuverable, which creates comfort when riding in urban conditions. Perfect for children and beginners.
- 27 inches or Penny Nickel. Boards with increased dimensions. The speed is not inferior to the 22-inch version. Recommended for use by owners with wide feet, as it will provide comfort and stability while moving.
Advantages of purchasing from the 7Board online store
Wide range of products, low prices on penny boards, high quality and original supplies are the advantages of our online store, which will allow each client to make a profitable purchase. "7Board" sells goods from manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market.
In addition, we will deliver your order in Moscow on the day it is placed, provide warranty periods and offer convenient payment methods. You can also visit our showroom for a free test drive of any penny board.
It is worth noting that the principle of movement on a skateboard and a penny board is no different. The structure and construction of the units are also similar, but there are significant differences in the characteristics of the materials involved.
It is impossible to immediately say which is better or a penny board without considering what each of the above means of transportation is.
Differences between a skateboard and a penny board
The skateboard deck is made of wood up to 70 cm long. It is covered with a tenacious coating on top. The suspension is made of aluminum alloy, and the wheels are made of polyurethane. This is exactly how we are all used to seeing a classic skateboard.
The main noticeable difference between a penny board and a skateboard is, most often, that the deck is shorter. If you hold two boards in your hand, the penny board will be easier. The deck is made of strong polycarbonate, which, in turn, allows you to perform even the most difficult tricks on such a board without fear that it will simply break. 
It is also striking that the wheels of a penny board are larger (60 mm) than those of a skateboard (35 mm).
The difference between a penny board and a skateboard is shown above, and it is clear that a penny board is more suitable for different tricks. This is achieved through a reinforced deck and larger wheels.
Therefore, if you need to choose something for a beginner, then you can opt for a skateboard, and if you want to continue your experiments, then, without a doubt, choose a penny board. If you are afraid of making a mistake, you can opt for the last option, since it is considered more universal and is suitable for both children and professionals.
Longboard – “long board” – is a type of skateboard. Deck, suspension, wheels are standard design elements of all boards. Purpose – skating with a lesser or greater degree of extremeness. But there are also significant differences that make longboards stand out in separate species boards, distancing them from skateboards.
Long skateboards are made by dozens of companies. One of the famous ones is the Australian “Penny”, which offers a wide range of boards of various lengths, widths and colors.
Skateboards "Penny"
Penny was the first company to produce plastic skateboards in the mid-1970s. At that time, skateboards made of wood were at the peak of popularity. Riding them among young people in the USA and Europe was so widespread that even in the science-fiction film “Back to the Future,” which took place back in 2015, main character rode on a modernized skateboard. One way or another, long boards did not catch on in the 1970s. Penny, unable to withstand the competition, curtailed its activities.
Ten years ago, the company returned to the market again, offering a large selection of boards for city riding. The plastic alloy deck made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the board. The adjustable aluminum alloy suspension ensures good maneuverability. Wide wheels made the longboarder's position more stable.
Peni produces boards in three sizes:
Actually, “longboard” is the name of the last option with a deck length of 91 cm. Smaller boards are classified by the manufacturer as “cruiser skateboard” and do not belong to the “longborder” type.
Penny's small “cruiser skateboards” - 56 and 69 cm - are designed for a young teenage audience. Both the decks themselves and the wheels are made in bright, rich colors and original design. They allow you to stand out, to be different from others - they fully correspond to the teenager’s worldview.
Penny 91 cm longboards are real big adult boards. They are monochromatic, not as rainbow and bright as small models. Available in several color options:
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Model name |
Deck color |
Pendant color |
Wheel color |
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Purple |
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White + Bright green mount |
Bright green |
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Light blue |
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Dark grey |
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Yellow + Bright Green Mount |
The Rasta model is the cutest. The cost of 91-centimeter skateboards from the Penny company is $100-$150.
Advantages of Penny longboards
The functional part of a longboard that determines its riding behavior is the wheels. Pennies 91 cm have wheels with a diameter of 69 mm and a hardness of 83A. That is, the wheels are quite rigid. Here's what it means:
- they have worse grip on the surface;
- they allow you to develop greater speed;
- they are less susceptible to grinding.
Thus, long skateboards are better for learning to ride on smooth city asphalt surfaces. They allow you to drive fast and cover long distances. Downhilling - riding down an incline - is the optimal way to ride longboards: the skater makes almost no effort, and at the same time gains and maintains decent speed.
Long skateboards are not suitable:
- for skating on slippery smooth surfaces of the roller rink;
- for extreme skating with performing tricks, jumps, etc.
To perform tricks on the street and turns in a roller skating rink, it is better to use short cruiser-type boards with softer wheels.
Difference from other manufacturers
If Penny longboards have a synthetic deck with a length of 91 cm, then other manufacturers produce boards up to 150 cm in length and up to 35 cm in width. They are not necessarily plastic, more often they are wooden (for example, bamboo), covered on both sides with synthetic fiber. The cost of such boards is comparable to Penny boards. The longest longboards can cost up to $350. Manufacturers: Moonshine, Kahuna, Gravity, DB Longboards and several dozen others.
What is their difference from “Penny”?
Firstly, most models have softer wheels: 78A-80A. This makes driving comfortable not only on very smooth asphalt, but also on more “grainy” surfaces. There is more grip, lower speed, but it is stable.
Secondly, the longer the board, the more stable and less maneuverable it is. In order to ride without unnecessary frills and tricks in the style of standard downhilling, long boards are optimal both in terms of speed and safety.
Skating technique
If you are a complete beginner and have never skated or surfed, then the first thing you need to learn is how to balance.
- To begin, simply stand with both feet on the board in place.
- To start riding, try pushing off with one foot while leaving the other on the board. The foot should be between the front pair of wheels and the center of the board and point toe forward.
- Don't worry about which foot to push off with. Do what is convenient. Change your legs - this way you will get less tired and it will be more useful.
- Your goal is to gain speed and ride without pushing your foot. Long boards are inert and specially designed for this technique.
- When you gain speed, place your other foot on the board. The feet at this stage are parallel to each other and are at an angle of 45 degrees; to the direction of movement, i.e. the socks do not look straight, but are turned slightly to the side.
- When it is necessary to accelerate again, the leg remaining on the board is turned with the toe in the direction of movement.
- You can make turns. To do this, you need to transfer your weight to your leading (front) leg and, accordingly, tilt the plane of the board in the direction in which you want to turn.
- On high speed do not make turns: there is a high probability of falling.
Maneuvering when cornering depends on how tight the bolt on the suspension is. A tightly fixed bolt does not allow sharp turns, but provides better stability. Conversely, if you have learned to ride a board, the fasteners can be loosened, making the ride more flexible.
Once you've mastered moving on flat terrain, move on to downhilling: use natural descents to use less effort and go excitingly fast.
Penny board (plastboard, plasticboard)– a small skateboard with a bright design. This children's and youth version of the skate is also suitable for adults. The plastboard is used for driving fast and performing various tricks.
The name “penny board” originally belongs to the Australian company of the same name “Penny Skateboards”, which produces models of reference quality. They have gained worldwide popularity. There are cheaper plastboards made by other manufacturers. In terms of quality, they are to varying degrees close to the original Penny board skateboard.
The penny board deck (from the Penny Skateboards company) is made of very durable and lightweight plastic, the suspension is made of aluminum, and the wheels are made of polyurethane (plastic or aluminum core). Other manufacturers may use lower quality materials, which reduces the level of comfort and safety of skating, and also shortens the service life of the plastboard.
View
Penny Original– lightweight, maneuverable, easy to transport, but not suitable for beginners due to its small dimensions. Riding a classic penny board requires balance and coordination. This is the best option for children over 4 years old, thin boys and girls.
Penny Nickel– extended penny board. This model is good for learning riding skills. Recommended for beginners, teenagers, overweight people, skaters with large feet.
Size
Penny Original– length is 22 inches (56 cm), pendant width is 3.125 inches (7.5 cm).
Penny Nickel– length is 27 inches (69 cm), pendant width is 4 inches (10 cm).
Wheels:
- diameter – 59 mm;
- width – 40 mm;
- hardness – 78 A;
- bearings – ABEC 7.
Load capacity:
- up to 40 kg – for children 4-12 years old;
- up to 100 kg – for teenagers from 11 years old.
Design
Complete- have a single color.
Gradient– multi-colored boards (usually 3 colors, changing into each other).
Graphics– with a spectacular pattern on the deck, most often representing ornaments from various cultures. For example, Baja are drawings from Mexican art, and Space is a space theme.
Pastels– painted in pastel colors (mint, peach, turquoise, lemon, lilac, light pink). These boards are popular with girls and are also good for beach holidays.
Fest Original– with glow-in-the-dark wheels and/or deck. Perfect for riding at night. A very stylish solution, which is found only in 22-inch penny boards.
Fluorescents– with bright neon colors that glow in the dark.
Limited Edition– with original design solutions. This board emphasizes the individuality of the skater. Produced in limited edition.
Organic– depicting natural motifs.
Marbles- with marble pattern.
Holiday- vintage style. The most common motifs are Hawaiian or Indian.
There are models with transparent wheels that create the effect of “hovering” above the ground.
For children, it is better to buy a penny board with a “cheerful” design and bright colors - such a model will delight the baby.
Equipment
You can also purchase a case for storage and transportation, an anti-slip coating and stickers for the bottom panel (give the model a unique look).
Before purchasing a case, try it on a penny board. Enjoy the convenience of carrying the model in a case.
Necessary equipment for penny boarding: sneakers with flat soles (for good grip on the board), arm guards, gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, helmet, clothing that does not restrict movement.
