Penny boards: how are they different from a skateboard, what are they and how to choose?

Penny boards quickly gained popularity among young people who prefer an active lifestyle, becoming an integral part of a certain subculture. Due to its compactness, lightness, reliability, unusual design and affordability, this type of skateboard has become for many an excellent alternative to the already traditional skateboard both for sports activities and for pleasant movement in the fresh air.

Penny Board is a skateboard-like roller board in construction, but lighter and smaller in size. This device was developed in the 70s of the last century by Australian inventor Ben McKay with the aim of adapting a skateboard for safe and comfortable movement on the streets. Since the inventor himself was an experienced skateboarder, he set himself the task of creating, on the basis of a traditional skateboard, an affordable and reliable vehicle that meets the principles of safe movement in an urban environment and ease of transportation.

He solved the problem of strength and lightness of construction by creating Penny board Original from ultra-strong plastic based on carbonate, the composition of which is still kept secret by the company. Thanks to the enlarged wheels, it became possible to move faster along the streets, and by reducing the length of the board, the problem of compactness was solved: it became possible to move the structure in small bags and backpacks.

The main components of this sports equipment are:

• a board with a platform for feet made of very durable plastic with bright colors or patterns;
• suspension made of durable aluminum alloy, consisting of two bolted components, where the adjusting bolt can be used to tighten or soften the suspension;
• wheels made of polyurethane, in the center of which a bush made of plastic or aluminum alloy with a bearing is pressed.

Wheels for different models are: matte, transparent and translucent. They do not create vibration and noise when driving over bumps. The bearings retain the duration of the torque, which makes it possible to push off less often for acceleration with the supporting leg.

Penny and skateboard designs are quite similar. Many even consider the first to be a reduced copy of the second. But there are a number of significant differences both in the execution of structures as a whole and in individual details.

It would be incorrect to compare which performance is better - it all depends on the purpose of use. The difference in designs is due to their functional purpose. If a skateboard is more of a sports equipment for performing dizzying stunts, then pennies are more for walking and getting around. Although on compact babies, skillfully, you can perform rather complex exercises.

The main differences between penny and skate boards are:

• material for making the platform: the skateboard is made of several layers of wood, and the penny is made of high-strength plastic, respectively, the latter is much lighter;
• deck sizes: skate - 80 cm long, and penny - 55 and 69 cm;
• wheel diameter: skateboard - 35 mm, and penny-board - 56 or 69 mm;
• the structure of the deck (platform): the penny has a bend (concave) only on the back side, and on the skate - from both ends;
• The wooden surface of the skate board has an anti-slip coating that increases grip on the shoes, while the plastic itself on penny boards has a corrugated structure, which allows you to use it even without shoes.

According to their design features, penny boards are divided into two main types:

• Penny Original 22 ″: the diameter of the wheels is 2.2 inches (5.6 cm), the length of the board is 55–56 cm, the width is 15 cm, and the weight is about 1.5 kg;
• Penny Nickel 27 ″: wheel diameter - 2.7 inches (6.9 cm), platform length - 69 cm, weight - 2.75 kg, width - 19 cm.

Penny board designs are very diverse and can be categorized into the following main types:

• Complete - one-color options;
• Custom - are distinguished by rich colors and logos;
• Fades - devices made to order;
• Holiday - colorful drawings;
• Marbles - textured design in the style of stone and wood;
• Pastel - pastel shades;
• Fluorescents - a luminous version based on a reflective coating;
• Graphics - patterns and graphics, often in folk style.

It should be noted that luminous models (Fluorescents) are created not only for aesthetic perception. Their main function is safety of movement in the dark.

The Penny Board Australia company is the ancestor of this type of longboards and from the 70s of the last century to the present time has been known as the guarantor of the quality of these products, keeping secret the methods of producing high-strength plastic for boards of this category. It is considered the standard of this product, but it also keeps prices higher, without thinking about competition thanks to the promoted brand.

In terms of quality and range, comparable to Penny Board Australia, the following manufacturers can be noted:

• FishSkateBoards;
• Union;
• Hubster.

Their products are cheaper than original ones, and spare parts for them are much easier to purchase.

A quality manufacturer can be determined by the following criteria:

• there is a possibility of adjusting the stiffness of the suspension by tightening the central bolts;
• the bushings are fixed with suspension limiters, saving them from damage on sharp turns;
• the presence of polyurethane wide and soft wheels with a hardness of 78A;
• bearings - racing, not lower than the seventh class: in the original ABEC-7 are collapsible for ease of maintenance.

The most popular models for both children and adults are glow-in-the-dark, for example, the Fest Original series with flashing transparent wheels that change colors as they go in the dark.

Penny board models vary in design and size. There are two types of board lengths: 55 and 69 cm. When choosing this device, consider the following:

• purpose of use;
• age, weight and foot size.

For a child from 4 years old, for girls, as well as for using a penny board for walking and as a means of transportation in urban areas, a 55 cm board is most suitable.If, in addition to driving on city sidewalks, there is a desire to train the vestibular apparatus and coordination of movements , learning simple tricks, it makes sense to purchase a 69 cm long board.

To perform acrobatic acts and when used by children, you need to acquire additional safety equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, a vest and a helmet.

When purchasing this longboard, especially for girls and women, design performance plays an important role. In addition, if you plan to use this accessory at night, for aesthetic pleasure, convenience and safety, it is necessary to purchase luminous versions of the product, which come with both luminous wheels and a luminous deck.

When purchasing a board, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics and the manufacturer, as well as a number of other nuances.

• Wheels. Must be made from polyurethane only.
• Bearings. The name is displayed at the place where the wheel is mounted. The highest quality ones are labeled ABEC (5–7 and higher): the higher the number, the faster the bearing, but at the same time it is thinner in design and, accordingly, more fragile. The best choice is ABEC-7.
• The board itself should be tough, but with a cushioning effect.
• Suspension. They check it as follows: if, after pressing on the edge, the board does not take its original strictly horizontal position, but falls on its side, it means that the suspension does not fulfill its functions.

The design of the penny board is thought out to the smallest detail and created for a comfortable and safe pastime: when moving, the muscles practically do not get tired, at the same time exercising evenly. It helps to lose excess body weight and improves coordination of movements, and also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Withstanding loads up to 100 kg.

For information on how to choose a penny board and how to ride it correctly, see the next video.