In busy cities or on city streets, mini cruisers, often called penny boards, give a special way to ride. Their small size and plastic decks appeal to riders of all skill levels, offering excitement to both beginners and experienced skaters. Being light and compact, they’re great for commuters and adventurers.
Key Considerations:
- Dimension: Penny boards typically span between 22 to 27 inches in length. Smaller variants prioritize portability and nimbleness, whereas larger models emphasize stability and command.
- Deck Material: Penny boards typically have decks made of either plastic or wood, each with its own advantages. Plastic decks are lightweight and durable, great for everyday use. Wooden decks give a more traditional skateboarding feel, offering extra flexibility and responsiveness for doing tricks.
- Wheel Quality: High-quality polyurethane wheels with a durometer rating between 78A and 83A for better grip and smooth rides. Also, think about the size and shape of the wheels: bigger wheels offer more speed and stability, while smaller ones make it easier to maneuver and stay agile.
For an in-depth exploration of these considerations and expert guidance on selecting the most suitable penny board for your requirements, be sure to peruse our comprehensive “Purchasing Guide” featured in this article.
Best Penny Boards Table
| Penny Boards | Deck Width | Deck Length | Material | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retrospec Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22.5 Inches | Plastic | Check On Amazon |
| MEKETEC Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | High Quality PP | Check On Amazon |
| RIMABLE Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | - | Check On Amazon |
| Cal 7 Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | Polypropene | Check On Amazon |
| Skatro Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | Aluminum, Plastic | Check On Amazon |
| KMX Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | Aluminum, Polypropylene | Check On Amazon |
| YF YOUFU Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | Polypropylene | Check On Amazon |
| ANNEE Penny Boards | 6 Inches | 22 Inches | Polypropylene, Aluminum, Plastic | Check On Amazon |
Best Penny Boards Reviews
1. Retrospec Penny Boards
There are a lot of brands on the market for skateboards that have a wide range of options available for every budget. But only a few of those are as popular as Retrospec. So, we will start our list with this popular board from Retrospec.
In the 1st position, we are putting the Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser Skateboard. This is arguably the most popular penny board that we have on this list that has already been riding along with thousands of riders. Retrospec is also offering 2 options that are 22.5 and 27 inches in length so that you can get the one that suits your style the best.
The build quality of the Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser Skateboard is probably its selling point. Despite being rather a budget option, the Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser Skateboard offers a pretty rigged build quality with ABEC 7 bearings and PU wheels. The deck itself is made up of high-quality plastic to ensure a long-lasting performance.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22.5 inches
- Deck is made up of plastic
- The weight limit is up to 220 lbs
Pros
- Most popular choice for a penny board
- Build quality is best in this class
- Molded waffle deck design
Cons
- Limited color choices are available
2. MEKETEC Penny Boards
MEKETEC is also one of the brands that comes to mind first when it comes to skateboards. This option from MEKETEC is also one of the options that is preferred by thousands of professional riders.
In the 2nd position, we have the MEKETEC Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard since it is also a highly popular choice on the market. The main reason behind that is the fact that this is a highly versatile option that is suitable for kids as well as teenagers. This is a standard 22 inches board with 6 inches deck width which makes it perfect for cruising.
Another great fact about this option is that you have a lot of choices to choose from when it comes to design and colors. On top of that, MEKETEC also incorporates the unique strong 3.25 inches truck design for best results. Though the board only weighs about 3.8 lbs, it has a weight carrying capacity of about 200 lbs.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- Deck is made up of High Quality PP
- The weight limit is up to 200 lbs
Pros
- Highly popular option from the selection
- Weight carrying capacity is quite high
- Unique wheel design
Cons
- Not the best option for adults
3. RIMABLE Penny Boards
If you are looking for an ultimately slim and compact option, we will suggest checking out the following board from RIMABLE. Even though the deck specifications are standard, RIMABLE has managed to cut a lot of corners with its design.
Our 3rd pick for the best penny boards is the RIMABLE Skateboard. If you take a look at its size on paper, you will notice the standard 6 inches deck width and about 22 inches deck length. However, the board certainly seems a bit more compact and portable compared to other options. Also, it has a weight carrying capacity of up to 198 lbs.
Thus, you can rely on the build quality and strength of the RIMABLE Skateboard without much doubt. On top of that, RIMABLE has ensured that this board is the best fit for kids as well as adults. As for the wheels, the RIMABLE Skateboard features high-quality 3 inches aluminum trucks with super smooth PU wheels.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- High-quality 3 inches aluminum trucks
- The weight limit is up to 198 lbs
Pros
- One of the compact options on the market
- Suitable for adults
- Many design and color options to choose from
Cons
- Weight capacity could have been better
4. Cal 7 Penny Boards
When it comes to budget options, there are only a handful of names in the skateboarding industry that offer reliable options for the long term. Cal is one such option and it already has thousands of satisfied customers.
The Cal 7 Mini Cruiser Plastic Skateboard is yet another small and compact option that we have on this list that offers the standard deck width of 6 inches with 22 inches deck length. This is also a suitable choice for kids as well as adults thanks to its Polypropene build and 60 mm wheel thickness.
Even the bearings used for the Cal 7 Mini Cruiser Plastic Skateboard are ABEC-7 bearings housed inside 3.25 inches trucks. The Cal 7 Mini Cruiser Plastic Skateboard ships fully assembled in the package, making it ready-to-use right after unpacking. This is also a rather lightweight board, weighing only about 3.70 lbs
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- Deck is made up of Polypropene
- Board itself weighs only 3.70 lbs
Pros
- Compact and lightweight penny board
- Custom 78A swirl wheels with 60 mm thickness
- High-quality board design
Cons
- More color options should have been provided
5. Skatro Penny Boards
Since we are discussing the brands that are trusted by thousands of skateboard riders, we will mention yet another similar brand called Skatro. This is also a highly durable choice under an affordable choice.
The Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard is one more budget option from our list of the best penny boards that will survive for a very long time with proper care. As for the dimensions, the deck width of the Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard is about 6 inches whereas the deck length is 22 inches. However, this is one of the few options that features alloy steel wheels for longer durability.
The ABEC 7 Skatro bearings of the Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard also hold up under a lot of weight without any issues. The wheels on the other hand are about 59 mm thick and housed in 3 inches trucks. This is also one of the selected options on the market that ships with a dedicated T-tool that you get for absolutely free.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- Deck is made up of Aluminum, Plastic
- Free T-tool is included with the board
Pros
- Great value for the money option
- ABEC 7 Skatro bearings
- 59 mm thick alloy steel wheels
Cons
- Not the best option for adult riders
6. KMX Penny Boards
Coming back to budget-friendly options for a penny board, we have a great pick coming from KMX. If you don;t already know, KMX is a brand that also specifically deals with mini skating boards.
The KMX Mini Cruiser Skateboard is yet another budget option from our list that ensures a great experience while riding the board and brings universal compatibility with standard specifications. The deck of the KMX Mini Cruiser Skateboard is 6 inches thick whereas the length of the deck is 22 inches. But, the board itself is made up of Polypropylene with Aluminum trucks for better longevity.
With that, the KMX Mini Cruiser Skateboard becomes rugged enough to offer a load carrying capacity of about 220 lbs, making it one of the strongest options on the market. Though, KMX has stated that this board is well suited for kids within 6 to 12 years of age group. For added grip which is essential for beginners, the KMX Mini Cruiser Skateboard offers the popular “waffle” non-slip texture on the top.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- Deck is made up of Aluminum, Polypropylene
- It has “waffle” non-slip texture on the top
Pros
- It ships with a T-tool
- Suitable for 6 to 12 year old kids
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Very few design choices are available
7. YF YOUFU Penny Boards
When it comes to adult skateboards, you should carefully pick the right choice with suitable load capacity. Thus, we are including a few options like the one made by YF YOUFU that ensures the right compatibility.
The YF YOUFU Skateboard is one more great choice from our list of the best penny boards that can be a suitable pick for both kids as well as adults. This is one of the few options on the market that is offering up to 220 lbs load capacity, making it a very strong competitor to other choices. However, the board is still made up of Polypropylene to maintain the lightweight structure.
The board is designed in such a way that its deck is bendable, avoiding the breaking point for a long time. Apart from the standard ABEC 7 bearings, the YF YOUFU Skateboard also has high-rebound bushings paired with the 3.2 inches magnesium trucks. So, the board introduces an increased shock absorption capacity along with reliability. It is also an eye-candy option compared to other boards with built-in LED lights inside the wheels.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- Deck is made up of Polypropylene
- Board has built-in LED lights
Pros
- High-rebound bushings
- 2 Inch magnalium trucks
- Anti-slip surface
Cons
- Only 4 color options are available
8. ANNEE Penny Boards
To finish off our picks for the best penny boards, we are bringing one more budget option from a brand called ANNEE. Along with standard features, the ANNEE skateboard has a few extra attractive qualities.
Lastly, we have the ANNEE Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard on our list that will certainly turn some heads when you are riding it at full speed. This option also features LED-illuminated 78A Polyurethane wheels along with a CE certified deck design. With that, the ANNEE Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard offers a weight carrying capacity of up to 220 lbs. Apart from that, the ABEC 7 bearings also manage to maintain high speed riding without any problem.
The ANNEE Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard is quite a durable skateboard which is best suited for almost all levels of riders, both beginners and experienced ones alike. The Polypropylene deck of the ANNEE Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard is also made up of 100% fresh material and incorporates a bendable design for a rather longer lifespan.
Best Features
- The deck width is about 6 inches
- The deck length is 22 inches
- Deck is made up of Polypropylene, Aluminum
- The weight limit is up to 220 lbs
Pros
- Great option under a budget
- CE certified board design
- Durable design and build quality
Cons
- Design variations are limited
Factors to Consider Before Buying Penny Boards
Penny boards are loved for their small size, cool designs, and easy carry. If you’re thinking about buying one, think about what suits you best. Check factors like size, weight limit, and wheel type to make sure it fits your needs.
1. Deck Material and Construction
The deck of a penny board is vital for its durability and performance. Penny boards are typically made from plastic or a mix of plastic and fiberglass for flexibility and resilience. Some have wooden decks for sturdiness and control. Choose based on your preference for flexibility or stability.
2. Truck Quality and Durability
The trucks of a penny board connect the wheels to the deck. Choosing top-notch trucks is vital since they impact how easy it is to steer and stay balanced. Aim for sturdy materials like aluminum or steel, and make sure they turn smoothly for a better ride. Also, ensure the truck’s size matches the deck for the best performance.
3. Wheel Size and Material
The size and material of the wheels play a big role in how smooth your penny board ride will be and what you can do with it. Smaller wheels (about 59mm) are great for quick starts and tricks in busy areas. On the other hand, bigger wheels (around 65mm) give a smoother ride and more stability, good for rough paths. Think about where you’ll ride and how you ride when picking wheels.
4. Weight Capacity
It’s important to know the weight limit of your penny board for safety and performance. Penny boards usually support 150 to 220 pounds. Choose one that matches your weight well to avoid problems. Going over the limit can weaken the board and make it less stable, which might cause accidents or damage.
5. Maneuverability and Control
Penny boards are known for their agility, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces. When choosing one, look at features like wheelbase length, deck shape, and concave design, as these affect how the board handles. Trying out different models or reading reviews can give you insights into their performance in different situations.
Penny Boards – FAQs
Ans: While penny boards are primarily designed for smooth pavement and urban environments, some models can handle light rough terrain. However, they may not provide the same level of stability and comfort as larger longboards or skateboards designed for off-road riding.
Ans: Yes, penny boards are excellent for commuting short distances due to their compact size and lightweight design. They’re easy to carry onto public transportation and maneuver through crowded streets, making them ideal for urban commuters.
Ans: Some penny boards come with grip tape applied to the deck to provide better traction and grip for your feet while riding. However, not all penny boards come with grip tape, so it’s essential to check the product description or specifications before purchasing if grip tape is a priority for you.
While penny boards are water-resistant to some extent, it’s best to avoid riding them in wet conditions to prevent damage to the bearings and deck.
Ans: Yes, most penny boards come fully assembled and ready to ride out of the box, requiring only minor adjustments such as tightening the trucks before use.
Conclusion
If you’re into skateboarding, building a diverse board collection is key. Start with a basic option like a penny board to grasp fundamentals before moving to pro gear. Penny boards are great for beginners and make fantastic gifts. Check out our curated list of top penny boards across various budgets. Explore our buying guide for tailored recommendations.
- Consider trying the ANNEE Penny Boards if you’re new to penny boards. It’s budget-friendly with standard dimensions (6″ deck width, 22″ length) and can carry up to 198 lbs. The 3.6 lbs weight and 60mm PU-casted wheels ensure durability.
- For an original penny board experience, consider the Skatro Penny Boards. Made with quality materials for durability and flexibility, it features 59mm 83A wheels for smooth rides. Choose from 4 standard designs from Penny Australia.
- We suggest Retrospec Penny Boards, favored by many buyers. Available in 22.5″ and 27″ sizes, catering to various riders. Its small kicktail design offers excellent control and agility. The Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser Skateboard boasts ABEC-7 carbon bearings for high-speed performance on any terrain.
