Best Penny Board for Beginners

Finding the Best Penny Board for Beginners is easier than you think. Here’s a rundown of our favorites including our top picks - the Penny Graphic Complete Skateboard.

Penny boards are plastic, lightweight skateboards that can be used for cruising or for performing tricks. There has been a huge spike in demand for these boards because of Covid-19. Cruising on a penny board is a safe, (but wear a helmet) outdoor, and socially distanced activity for any age group. They are often decked out in vibrant colors and feature larger wheels for riding on the boardwalk, beach walk, or rough roads. Also known as a short cruiser, banana board, or retro cruiser, the penny board offers a smooth ride for beginners and experienced riders.

While penny boards have recently become popular again, these boards are anything but new. The earliest plastic skateboards were created by former Venice Beach lifeguard Larry Stevenson in 1973. During the 1990s, Krooked Skateboards, Stereo Skateboards, Globe, and other brands emerged on the market.

Penny boards are relatively short compared to your average longboard. They are made out of high-quality, flexible plastic that allow them to withstand extreme forces. As the boards are very lightweight, many riders like to carry them around to ride and as a trendy accessory. Unlike regular skateboards, penny boards offer a surf-like experience.

What to Look for in a Penny Board for Beginners:

Penny Board Sizes: Boards are available in a selection of sizes to accommodate all riders. On average, board sizes include the 22-inch, 27-inch, and 36-inch longboard. The 22-inch offers the fastest time while the 36-inch is great for tricks.

Deck: Today, you can find diverse design options for your penny board. The classic waffle non-slip top is no doubt one of the best. It offers better grip and control, allowing riders to easily deal with any situation they come across.

Components: The components of a penny board make or break its performance. Opt for high-quality components which are long-lasting and will help ensure a smoother ride.

Material: While most quality penny boards are made of a stiff, flexible plastic that’s incredibly strong, cheaper boards may contain cheaper materials. Choose your board carefully to ensure that you’re getting an authentic product.

Here are the 5 Best Penny Boards for Beginners:

1. Penny Graphic Complete Skateboard

We begin our penny board review with this Penny Complete Skateboard, which is a throwback design of the original penny boards of the 1970s. The Penny Graphic Complete Skateboard features a retro design and a compact size that makes it easy to throw into a backpack and hit the streets. Use it to cruise to school, work, or to the beach. This board is why all mini skateboards are called Penny Boards. This brand paved the way for all the others that made this list. If you are looking for authenticity to the true skate culture, look no further than the Penny Complete.

What makes this the best penny board for beginners are its soft wheels which are perfect for gliding over sidewalk cracks and any obstacles you may come across. The board measures 22-inches and has 3.125-inch penny trucks and 59 mm penny wheels. Choose from a wide selection of colors and designs that reflect your personality.

What Users Are Saying:

Love the throwback design
The perfect transportation tool
Colors look just the photos
Great gift for a teenager
Excellent quality
Very good! Fully satisfied

2. CAL 22” Complete Mini Board

Designed exclusively for beginners and kids, the Cal 7 22″ Complete Mini Cruiser Plastic Skateboard offers great performance and colorful decks and wheels. The board is constructed with a plastic deck injection mold which adds superior durability. Large 60mm 78A wheels allow for a smooth and efficient ride on nearly any surface.

What makes a Cal the best penny board for beginners is that it’s fully assembled and ready to ride. It can accommodate riders up to 185 lbs. and is available in a wide range of deck and wheel color combinations. This penny board is perfect for kids and adults who are learning how to ride a penny board or skateboard.

What Users Are Saying:

Durable and easy to use
Provides a nice smooth ride
A good starter board for beginners
Great board for a greater price
Fun board to learn on
Very impressed with the quality

3. Retrospec Quip Skateboard 22.5″ Classic Retro

We are obsessed with the color options of this 22.5″ classic board, including this Adobe color featured.  The Retrospec Quip Skateboard 22.5″ Classic Retro weighs less than 5 lbs so carrying on the street, beach, or wherever you go is a breeze. Cruise confidently knowing that your board is constructed from 22.5″ x 6″ or 27″ x 6″ injection-molded highly flexible plastic.

The ultra-smooth gliding polyurethane cast wheels enhance durability and comfort while you zip around town. Lightweight ABEC-7 high-speed carbon bearings add to Quip’s nimble nature.

What Users Are Saying:

Rides really well
So pretty!
Great skateboard with a cool design
Perfect size and fit
Well worth the money
Excellent penny board for beginners

4. DINBIN Cruiser Board 27″

The new DINBIN Cruiser Board 27″is a great fit for any rider who needs a bigger deck with more stability, ie big gals or guys. Compared to the normal 22 “cruiser skateboard, the new 27” cruiser skateboard makes for a smoother more comfortable ride.

We put this at the top of the list for best penny board for beginners due to its strong waffle-grip plastic deck, 5-inch wide aluminum trucks, 3mm riser pads from, and super smooth urethane-cored wheels. With six fun color-ways there is one sure to suite your style.

What Users Are Saying:

Very sturdy and the wheels are fantastic
High-quality board for the price
Rides extremely well
I highly recommend this penny board!
Easy to learn on compared to regular skateboards

5. RUNYI Complete Cruiser Retro Plastic Skateboard

Runyi has a great reputation in the skateboard industry and is know for its colorful designs and light up wheels. The RUNYI Complete Cruiser Retro Plastic Skateboard is small but mighty, measuring at only 22″ *6″and weighing a mere 3.6 lbs. However, the max load bearing support up to 220 lbs, which makes appropriate for even big riders or tandems once you are up for it. . 

Runyi has several sizes available including a 24″ and 27″ which has cut outs for easy grasping.  With over 15 color, lights and size combos available you will look very cool on this penny board.

What Users Are Saying:

Best board I have ever owned
Exactly what I have been hoping for
Unbelievably smooth ride
I have gotten many compliments
This penny board is amazing!
Has a solid build – highly recommended

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