Choosing a penny board for beginners means prioritizing stability, easy portability, and smooth grip. This guide highlights beginner-friendly mini cruisers and classic plastic boards, with aLOOK at design, weight limits, and compatibility with new riders. Each option focuses on simple handling, reliable wheels, and kid-friendly safety features to help new skaters build confidence quickly.
Summary Table of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Approx. Length | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny Australia, 27 Inch Stringer Board | Penny Australia | 27″ | Authentic Penny deck, flexible plastic, smooth ride |
| Penny Australia, 22 Inch Checkout Penny Board | Penny Australia | 22″ | Original Penny formula, 59mm wheels, smooth ride |
| Penny Australia, 27 Inch Blackout Board | Penny Australia | 27″ | Classic Penny look, flexible plastic, reliable wheels |
| KMX Skateboard 22 Inch (Unicorn LED) | KMX | 22″ | ABEC-9 bearings, light-up wheels, 3.25” trucks |
| KMX Skateboard 27 Inch (Dusty Rose) | KMX | 27″ | 4″ trucks, 85a bushings, larger deck for beginners |
Penny Australia, 27 Inch Stringer Board
The Penny 27 Inch Stringer Board from Penny Australia represents the brand’s original plastic cruiser line. The deck uses a secret plastic formula that blends strength with flexibility, delivering a forgiving ride ideal for beginners who want a board that resists abrupt stops and easy to maneuver. The wheels are 59mm with 83A durometer, providing a smooth glide on typical urban surfaces. Riders benefit from a lightweight setup that remains durable for daily practice and casual cruising. This board is suitable for learners who prefer a classic Penny look with familiar handling characteristics.
Performance and suitability considerations for beginners:
- Deck construction emphasizes flexibility and resilience, reducing edge impact and cracking risk during learning sessions.
- Wheel size and durometer contribute to a stable ride over small cracks and sidewalk seams.
- Weight capacity aligns with a broad range of riders, supporting safe practice for new skaters.
Penny Australia, 22 Inch Checkout Penny Board
The 22 Inch Penny Checkout board is a compact classic, designed for new riders seeking portability without sacrificing stability. The deck’s plastic formula mirrors the Penny brand’s emphasis on balance between rigidity and flex, helping riders learn turning and stopping with less effort. The 59mm wheels and standard Penny profile deliver a smooth, predictable glide on typical pavement. This board is a solid choice for younger beginners or riders who want a highly portable board for school commutes and short rides in the neighborhood.
Key beginner-focused attributes:
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to lift and transport.
- Classic Penny aesthetics with reliable, predictable turning behavior.
- Adequate wheel size for stable cruising and easy acceleration.
Penny Australia, 27 Inch Blackout Board
The 27 Inch Blackout Penny board keeps the brand’s iconic silhouette while offering a slightly larger deck for riders who want more stance width as they progress. The deck’s plastic composition supports a smooth and flexible ride, which helps new skaters maintain balance while learning basic maneuvers. 59mm wheels provide reliable grip, and the board’s longer length helps distribute weight more evenly, reducing the chance of wobble during initial attempts to ride. This option is well-suited for older beginners or riders who prefer a larger board for stability.
Important beginner considerations:
- Larger deck improves balance for riders moving from kid sizes to teen/adult stature.
- Flexible plastic equates to a forgiving ride with fewer abrupt edge impacts.
- Standard Penny wheels keep rolling smooth on urban surfaces.
KMX Skateboard 22 Inch Unicorn LED
The KMX 22 Inch model with LED wheels adds a fun, safety-friendly feature that can help new riders stay visible during dusk rides. The board weighs about 3.7 pounds, making it easy to carry and store. It features 3.25″ aluminum trucks and 85A bushings, designed to offer stable steering and responsive control for beginners who are still learning balance and turning. The 60x45mm urethane wheels pair with ABEC-9 bearings for smooth, quiet rolling. The LED wheels add a playful, engaging element that can boost enthusiasm for practice sessions in safe, controlled environments.
Beginner-focused insights:
- Lightweight design facilitates quick learning and easier transport.
- LED wheels provide additional visibility, which is helpful for early rides in low-light settings.
- Robust hardware balances stability with maneuverability for new skaters.
KMX Skateboard 27 Inch Dusty Rose
The 27 Inch KMX model provides a slightly longer footprint than the 22-inch options, offering more room for beginners who are growing comfortable with balance and stance width. The deck is built from high-quality PP material, supporting a sturdy yet flexible platform. With 4″ A356 aluminum alloy trucks and 85A bushings, this board emphasizes control, balance, and stability—crucial features for new riders who are practicing turning radii, stopping, and basic tricks. It is suitable for riders up to 220 lb/100 kg, making it versatile for a wide range of beginners and younger riders alike.
Buying considerations for this size:
- Larger decks aid stability and confidence for older kids and adults starting out.
- Truck size and bushing choice influence steering responsiveness and balance.
- Weight capacity ensures suitability for growing riders and optional uptick in practice load.
Buying Guide: Penny Boards For Beginners
When selecting a penny board for beginners, consider the following factors to balance safety, learning curve, and enjoyment:
- Deck size and weight: Smaller boards (around 22 inches) are easier to maneuver for beginners and ideal for kids, while 27-inch boards offer more stability for older learners or adults transitioning from larger boards.
- Deck material: Most penny boards use durable plastic with flexible properties that absorb minor impacts. This reduces risk during early falls and helps new riders feel confident.
- Wheels and trucks: Look for wheels around 59mm to 60mm for stable rolling and wheels with a softer durometer (around 83A–85A) for a smoother ride on rough pavement. Trucks around 3.25 inches are common on mini cruisers and offer balanced turning ability.
- Bearings: ABEC ratings (like ABEC-7 or ABEC-9) indicate precision in wheel rotation. Higher ratings usually correlate with smoother rolling, which can aid beginners during practice sessions.
- Weight capacity: Ensure the board can safely support the rider’s weight; this matters as beginners grow or if a board is shared among family members.
- Portability: For learners who commute to practice spaces, lighter boards are easier to carry on public transit or school days.
- Visibility and safety features: Some models add LED wheels or bright colors that help with visibility during dusk or early morning sessions, which can improve overall safety.
Two perspectives to consider:
- For younger riders or absolute beginners, a 22-inch Penny or 22-inch KMX with forgiving wheels encourages steady progress and easy balance maintenance.
- For teens or adults seeking longevity and progression into basic tricks, a 27-inch Penny or KMX model provides more stance room and stability while still remaining beginner-friendly.
Recommended use cases include daily practice in sidewalks, campus paths, and quiet streets. Avoid rough terrains such as gravel or grass, which can hinder progress and increase the risk of falls. Always prioritize protective gear: a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards for a safer learning experience.