Choosing the right board for you is important. There are many different types of boards on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
The main difference between penny board vs cruiser board is their deck shape, size, and deck material. Some skaters prefer penny boards because they’re lightweight and easy to maneuver. Conversely, Cruiser boards are more strong and can hold more weight, making them ideal for cruising.
So the question is which board should I start with, penny board or cruiser board?
Well, this blog post helps you to make your decision a lot easier about penny board vs cruise board, which should you start with.
Let’s get started.
Brief Introduction: Penny Board vs Cruiser:
Here is a brief introduction.
What is a Penny Board?
The Penny Board is a smaller and shorter version of a skateboard. The penny boards brand was created by a company founded in 2010 by Ben Mackay in Australia.
Penny board is made of hard plastic and is lightweight, making it easy to transport. The board is small in size, which makes it perfect for cruising around tight spaces.
It is so named because it usually costs a single penny to ride one. They are popular with beginner skateboarders because they are small and easy to learn.
Pros of Penny board
- The Penny board is affordable.
- Penny boards are small, so they can fit in your car or even in your backpack.
- Penny boards are Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to transport and store.
Cons of Penny Board
- Penny boards are not very durable.
- Penny boards can easily be damaged.
- Penny boards are not as stable as skateboards or longboards.
What is a Cruiser Board?
A cruiser board is a type of longboard that is used for cruising around town or campus.
They typically have a kicktail and are a bit longer and wider than standard skateboards but shorter than longboards. Cruiser boards are stable and easier to ride.
Cruiser boards are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed way to get around.
Pros of Cruiser Board
- Very easy to learn how to ride,
- Cruiser boards are perfect for short-distance travel.
- Cruiser boards offer a very smooth ride.
Cons of Cruiser Board
- Cruiser boards are quite expensive.
- Cruiser boards are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and can be quite slow.
Difference Between Penny Board and Cruiser Board?
The main difference between a penny board and a cruiser board is Deck, Wheels, Trucks, and Prices.
1. Deck Material
The decks of penny boards are made out of hard plastic. It can withstand more wear and tear, making it perfect for beginner riders. Additionally, the plastic is very lightweight, which makes the penny board easy to carry around and maneuver.
On the other hand,
Maple wood is the most common and popular choice for cruiser boards because of its durability and strength.
However, some companies also manufacture cruisers out of cherry wood, which is a hardwood that is known for its beautiful grain pattern. Additionally, some high-end plastic cruisers are also available for purchase.
2. Deck Size and Shape
The Penny Board comes in five different deck sizes.
| Penny Board Types | Deck Length (inches) | Deck Width (inches) |
| Standard Penny | 22” | 5.9” |
| Penny Nickel | 27” | 7.4” |
| Surfskate | 29” | 10.1” |
| Penny Skateboard | 32” | 8.5” |
| Penny Longboard | 36” | 9.6” |
The different deck sizes offer different riding experiences, so it’s important to pick the size that’s right for you.
On the other hand,
Cruiser boards come in all shapes and sizes, the most popular size range for cruisers board is between 22-38 inches, however, there are larger versions available that measure up to 40 inches or more.
The Shape of the Deck
Cruiser boards typically have a curved and concave shape, while penny boards are flatter.
However, you may also find popsicle-shaped Cruiser boards too. These are great for performing tricks and stunts.
It’s important to consider your height, weight, and skateboarding ability when choosing the perfect cruiser board size for you.
3. Trucks Comparison (Penny Board vs Cruiser Board)
Cruiser board trucks are much wider than penny board trucks, making them better for cruising and carving.
The wider axle provides more stability, and the larger base plate makes them less prone to wheel bite. Cruiser boards are a great option for anyone looking for a board that is good for both cruising and carving.
Penny board trucks are thinner and narrower than cruiser board trucks. This makes them able to turn more sharply, but also more prone to wheel bite.
Cruiser board trucks are wider and thicker, making them less likely to bite the wheels, but also slower to turn. Ultimately, it is up to the rider to decide what truck width they prefer.
4. Wheels Comparison (Cruiser vs Penny Board)
Most penny boards on the market today come with polyurethane wheels. These wheels are made of hard and durable plastic.
A penny board that is between 22-26 inches uses 59mm diameter wheels, while a penny board that is above 26 inches uses 69mm diameter wheels.
All penny boards use soft wheels, which have a hardness rating of 83a durometer. This means that the wheels will be relatively soft and able to absorb some of the impacts when riding, making them ideal for beginner riders.
On the other hand
Cruiser board wheels come in a variety of sizes, but the most common size is around 55-65mm.
If your cruiser board is shorter than 37 inches, then 60-67mm wheels are a good fit. Cruiser longboards require larger 70mm wheels for stability and speed.
Larger wheels also provide more momentum and a smoother ride, which is why they are best for cruising around town or on longer rides.
A cruising longboard should have a durometer of 80a-86a, which is suitable for riders who weigh between 135-175lbs. A softer wheel will provide more grip and be easier to control, making it a good choice for beginners
5. Design (Penny vs Cruiser)
Penny boards are small and flat, while cruiser boards are larger and have a more traditional shape. Cruiser boards are also designed for longer rides, while penny boards are not.
Cruiser boards typically have a kicktail, which is a raised back end that allows the board to be popped up into the air. Penny boards do not have this feature, as they are specifically designed for just cruising and shorter rides.
6. Weight Limit of Penny Board and Cruiser Board
Penny board weight limit is 220 pounds, while a cruiser board can hold up to 300 pounds.
Cruiser boards are typically larger and have more features than penny boards, making them better for longer rides.
Cruiser boards are also better suited for taller riders, providing more room to stand on the deck.
Penny boards are better for riders who are looking for a quick and easy way to get around town.
7. Riding Style (Penny Board & Cruiser)
Penny boards are a great choice for anyone looking for riding around town or in crowded areas.
Penny boards are good for performing skateboard tricks, turning, and commuting. They’re also great for downhill rides, as they are flexible and easy to maneuver.
On the other hand,
Cruiser boards are popular among riders who want to experience a relaxed, comfortable style of riding.
Cruiser boards usually feature a kicktail and a mellower concave which allows for easy maneuvering and comfortable cruising.
They are also popular for commuting and general around-town use because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
8. The difference in Uses (Penny board vs Cruiser)
Penny Boards are ideally suited for pushing short distances in crowded places where you may need to stop to pick up the board frequently and navigate through tight spaces.
They’re also perfect for stopping and picking up frequently, as they can be easily lifted with one hand.
On the other hand,
Cruiser skateboards are great for transportation and commuting around town.
Their directional shape makes them easy to steer and navigate, while their larger soft wheels provide a smoother ride than traditional hard wheels.
Cruiser skateboards are also a lot of fun to ride and can be used for tricks and stunts just like regular skateboards.
9. Difference in Prices
The price difference between penny boards and cruiser boards varies depending on the brand and quality of the boards.
Penny boards can cost anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on where you buy them and what kind of features they have.
On the other hand,
Cruiser board prices vary based on a variety of factors, including the materials used, the brand, and the features offered.
The price of a cruiser board will cost you anywhere between $100 to $150.
However, more high-end cruiser boards can cost several hundred dollars. The price of a cruiser board depends on what the buyer is looking for in terms of features and materials.
Should I Get a Penny Board or Cruiser Board?
If you are looking for an introductory skateboard, the penny board would be a great option for you.
Penny boards are easy to find at most stores and are very affordable. Penny boards are also easy to learn on, so if you are just starting out, this would be a great choice.
If you want to do both basic tricks and cruising, then a cruiser board would be a better option.
Cruiser boards offer more stability and can handle rougher surfaces better than penny boards. Plus, they look nicer and can be used for cruising around town or tricks.
Conclusion: Penny Board vs Cruiser Board
In conclusion, penny boards are better for beginner skateboarders while cruiser boards are better for experienced skateboarders.
Penny boards are a great way to learn the basics of skateboarding, while cruiser boards are a great way to improve your skills.
If you’re a beginner, I recommend buying a penny board. If you’re an experienced skateboarder, I recommend buying a cruiser board.
In addition, I wrote an article about penny boards vs longboards, which you can read here.
