There are many different types of skateboards, but the two most popular types are penny boards and longboards.
The main difference between penny boards and longboard is their deck size, shape, and material. A Penny board is small and compact and made of plastic, on the other hand, a longboard is larger and more versatile, allowing you to ride in a variety of ways.
So, which one is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of board.
Later on in this article, we will discuss Penny Board vs Longboard, which board is best for you according to your need and riding style. Let’s Discuss this in detail.
Comparison Table: Penny Board vs Longboard
Here is the quick comparison table.
| Comparison Basis | Penny Board | Longboard |
| Deck Length | 22”- 27” | 30”- 59” |
| Deck Width | 6” Inches | 9”- 10” inches |
| Deck Material | Plastic | Wood |
| Wheel Size | 59 – 69mm | 64 – 80mm |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds approx | 8 – 12 pounds approx |
| Best For | Cruising Short distances, Pushing Crowded Areas, Best For Kids and Teenagers. | Cruising, Downhill Racing, Long-distance, Dancing, Sliding. |
Brief Introduction: Longboard vs Penny Board
Let’s discuss
What is a Penny Board?
A penny board is a small, lightweight skateboard that is easy to carry, easy to transport and store and maneuver. They were designed by PennySkateboards company, a company founded in 2010 by Ben Mackay. Penny boards are made of durable plastic and typically have a non-slip surface.
Penny boards are a great choice for someone who wants a light and easy-to-carry board.
The standard penny board weighs around 4.2 pounds and has a length of 22 to 27 inches, which is perfect for someone who doesn’t want something that’s too big or too small.
They’re also a great option for someone who wants to learn tricks because they have a lot of maneuverability.
They also cost less than traditional skateboards, making them a popular choice for budget-minded riders.
Pros of Penny Board
- Lightweight.
- Easy to learn how to ride.
- Easy to carry.
- Great for beginners to get started in skateboarding.
- Affordable.
Cons of Penny Board
- Not as sturdy as other types of boards.
- Not very stable due to the small deck.
- Not good for long distances.
- Not as versatile as other types of skateboards.
- The deck is completely flat and without grip tape.
Also Read: Are Penny Boards Good for Beginners?
What is a Longboard?
A longboard is a type of skateboard that is typically longer and has a bigger wheelbase than a standard skateboard and is specifically designed for cruising and long-distance riding.
Longboards have a variety of features that make them more versatile and comfortable than standard skateboards.
Longboards come with larger, softer wheels that make it easier to ride over bumps and cracks in the road. They also have a wider deck, which gives you more room to stand on the board and makes it more stable.
Many longboards come with a built-in kicktail, which allows you to do basic tricks like ollies and nollies.
Longboards also provide more speed and stability. Longboards can be used for cruising, carving, downhill racing, dancing, sliding, and long-distance riding.
Finally, they typically have a higher weight limit than standard skateboards, making them a good choice for heavier riders.
The length of a longboard typically ranges from 30 to 59 inches, while the width varies between 9 and 10 inches.
Benefits (pros) of Longboard
- Are more stable at high speeds.
- Ideal for downhill racing.
- Great For long distances.
- The wide deck provides more stability.
Drawbacks (cons) of longboard
- Lack of control a longboarder has when traversing downhill.
- Longboards are not as good for tricks.
- Longboards can be difficult to carry.
- A longboard is not as maneuverable as standard skateboards.
Difference Between Penny Board And Longboard:
Let’s discuss
1. Difference in Deck Material
Longboard decks are typically made out of wood, such as maple wood, bamboo, or fiberglass. This makes them more durable and stronger than penny board decks, which are typically made from plastic.
Longboard decks are also much longer and wider than penny board decks, making them better suited for stability and speed.
On the other hand,
A penny board deck is made of plastic and is considerably less durable than a longboard deck.
A penny board deck is not suitable for tricks because of its short length and doesn’t have grip tape. When doing tricks, you need a longer board to create more stability and control.
A penny board’s shorter length makes it difficult to perform tricks smoothly and safely.
2. Difference in Deck Size:
Longboards are bigger in size than regular skateboards, cruisers, and penny boards.
Generally, most longboard deck length is between 84 to 150 inches (33 to 59 cm), And the width is between 9 to 10 inches (22.8 to 25.4 cm) wide.
On the other hand,
Penny boards are smaller than all kinds of boards on the market with deck lengths ranging between 22 and 27 inches, and a width of 6 inches.
3. Longboard Wheels vs Penny Board Wheels
Longboard wheels are made from polyurethane. The softer polyurethane construction of longboard wheels makes them ideal for cruising and carving and provides a stable ride.
The soft and bigger wheels allow for better grip on the pavement and less chance of getting a flat tire. Additionally, the size of the wheel creates more momentum and stability when riding.
Most Longboard wheels come with a diameter ranging between 64mm and 80mm, depending on the size of the board.
On the other hand,
Penny board wheels are made from polyurethane, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
Penny board wheels are small in size as compared to longboards and come in wheel size diameters ranging from 59mm to 69mm, depending on the board.
The small wheels make the penny board roll slowly as compared with a longboard. This also makes it more difficult to slide on hills.
However, the polyurethane construction of the wheel also ensures a smooth, comfortable ride that is perfect for cruising around town or campus.
4. Difference in Trucks
Longboard trucks are much more stable than penny board trucks.
This is because a longboard truck comes with reverse kingpins that are much more stable at high speeds and low speeds alike.
This makes longboarding easier to learn as a beginner and easier to navigate.
Longboard trucks are also better for downhill riding, as they provide more stability and can handle higher speeds.
Additionally, a longboard truck has a larger axle, which makes it more stable overall.
On the other hand
Penny board trucks are much smaller than longboard trucks, which makes them easier to control.
Penny board trucks also have a tighter turning radius, making them better for weaving through traffic, crowds, or smaller spaces and also better for learning tricks.
5. Bearings Comparison
Penny Board bearings are cheaply made and not as good as longboard bearings. They are also slow, which makes them a poor choice for anyone looking for a good skating experience.
On the other hand,
Longboard bearings are made specifically for skating and are much faster and more durable. Some of them come with upgraded components like speed rings and spacers that make them even better for skating.
6. Purpose: What are Penny boards and longboards best for?
When it comes to long-distance travel, cruising, and more, a longboard is the best option. Longboards are designed for cruising and transportation.
They’re also great for downhill riding, which makes them perfect for covering long distances quickly and easily. Plus, they’re tough and durable, making them long-lasting.
On the other hand,
Penny boards are great for beginner kids. Due to their smaller deck size, they’re easy to maneuver, and they’re perfect for short distances in crowded places. They’re also great for commuting, as they’re lightweight and easy to carry around.
7. Weight Comparison: Longboard vs Penny Board
Longboard weight: The weight of a longboard varies due to the materials used in its construction. Most longboards usually weigh around 8 to 12 pounds.
Penny Board Weight: An average penny board weighs 4.2 pounds.
8. Price Comparison
The average cost of Longboards: A good quality longboard can cost you anywhere between $150 and $400 depending on the material used and what you are looking for.
The average cost of a Penny board: A good quality Penny board can cost anywhere between $50 and $100. The price depends on the quality of the board. Generally, the higher the quality, the more it will cost.
9. Speed Comparison
In my experience, I have found that longboards are definitely faster than penny boards. Penny boards are lightweight and due to their small size, they can easily be blown around by the wind.
Longboards, on the other hand, are larger and heavier which makes them more stable and easier to control even at high speed. This is why longboards are definitely faster than penny boards.
10. Which Lasts the Longer: Penny board or Longboard
Longboards are generally more durable than penny boards because longboards are made of strong wood like maple or bamboo. Wood is stronger than plastic and therefore, longboards are more durable than penny boards.
On the other hand,
Penny boards are much less durable than longboards. They are made of plastic and are therefore more likely to break if you drop them or hit them with something heavy.
11. Penny Board vs Longboard vs Skateboard | Which One is Easier to ride?
When it comes to choosing between a Penny Board, Longboard, and Skateboard, it really depends on what you’re looking for.
In my opinion, a longboard is easier to learn than a penny board and skateboard.
A longboard has a longer wheelbase than a Penny board and standard skateboard. It’s also more stable and good for long-distance riding, making it easier to ride for longer periods of time.
On the other hand
A Penny board has a shorter wheelbase than a longboard or skateboard. It’s more difficult to control because it’s harder to balance on the board because the deck width is too small in comparison to the skateboard and longboard. But it will be easier for experienced riders than newbies.
Both longboard and penny boards are easy to learn, but they have different styles and techniques. For beginners who have never skateboarded before, a longboard will be easier to learn for them.
Penny Board or Longboard For Beginners?
Both penny boards and longboards can be good for beginners as their first board, but they have different strengths.
In my opinion, A penny board is a great choice for beginners because it is small and easy to control. Penny board is best for beginners to learn the fundamental of skateboarding.
It is also less expensive than a longboard, which makes it a good option for people who are just starting out. Penny boards are available in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find one that suits your style.
On the other hand,
Longboards are also a good choice for beginners, they are bigger and more stable than penny boards and offer you extra space than penny boards.
They are also more expensive, and for that reason, they may not be the best option for people who are just starting out.
Ultimately, it depends on the individual rider’s preferences and abilities. For some people, a penny board is better for them because it is easier to control, while others may prefer the stability of a longboard.
If you are a fat guy, you can check out this post about longboards for heavy riders.
Should I Buy Penny Board Or a Longboard?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether you should ride a penny board or a longboard.
First, think about what kind of skating you want to do. If you’re looking for short-distance travel in crowded areas and agility, a penny board is a good choice. If you want a cruising, smoother ride, and more stability, go with a longboard.
Another thing to consider is the size of the board. Penny boards are typically smaller than longboards, so they’re easier to carry and store. If space is limited, a penny board may be the better option.
Finally, think about your budget. Penny boards are generally less expensive than longboards, so if you’re on a tight budget, that may be the way to go.
Penny Board or Longboard for Cruising?
There are many reasons why I believe that longboard is the best option for cruising.
For one, they are much more stable than penny boards. This is due to their larger size and weight.
They also have softer wheels, which make for a smoother ride.
Another reason I prefer longboards for cruising is that they are easier to control. Penny boards can be very slippery, making it hard to keep your balance. Longboards, on the other hand, are much easier to steer and keep under control.
Finally, longboards just look cooler than penny boards. They have a classic skateboard look that never goes out of style.
Penny Board or Longboard for School or College?
Penny boards are ideal for school or college students for a number of reasons.
I think the biggest advantage of penny boards is that they are very portable and easy to carry around all day without feeling tired and can be easily stored under a desk or in a locker.
Additionally, penny boards are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for students on a budget.
Penny boards are also fun to ride and can help students get around campus quickly and easily. You can easily cruise around on without having to worry about traffic.
On the other hand,
Longboards are larger and heavier than Penny boards, making them more difficult to carry with you. However, they’re much easier to ride at high speeds and provide a smoother ride overall. Longboards are also great for cruising around town or campus.
Are Penny Board and Longboard the Same?
Penny boards and longboards are two completely different types of skateboards.
A penny board is a small, lightweight board that is easy to carry around with you.
A longboard is larger and heavier than a penny board. Penny boards are typically made from plastic, while longboards are usually made from wood.
Penny boards are designed for pushing short distances, ideal for tight spaces and cruising around town, while Longboards are larger and built for stability, making them better suited for cruising and downhill racing.
Make your Decision:
If you want to ride a long distance without doing any tricks, then you should go for a longboard. It is more comfortable and will make your journey much smoother.
You can also carry more weight on a longboard. If you are simply looking to travel from one place to another without any fuss, then a longboard is the best option for you.
If you want just to push short distances in crowded areas and want to carry your board with you then go with a Penny board. You can start with penny board 27″ also called nickel board.
Having Trouble Making a Decision
If you are still confused then consider buying a regular skateboard or cruiser board. With a cruiser, you can perform tricks and cruise around town in comfort. Cruiser boards are great for jumping curbs, carving, and old-school tricks and are also easy to carry.
Conclusion: Penny Board vs Longboard
Penny boards and longboards both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Ultimately, the best board for you will depend on your skill level and what you want to use it for, and your personal preference.
Based on our detailed comparison of penny board vs longboard, we hope you should be able to decide which board is best for you.
Thank you for reading.
Related: Penny Board Vs. Cruiser Board (Which One Is Winner)
