I bought my first penny board in college and have owned three since. They are not the right tool for every skater but they are the most portable, most fun-per-square-inch board you can buy. Here are the five I would actually pick.
| Penny Board | Length | Wheel Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny Classic 22” | 22 inches | 59mm | Best original |
| Penny Nickel 27” | 27 inches | 59mm | Best for taller riders |
| Magneto Mini Cruiser | 22 inches | 60mm | Best value |
| Retrospec Quip 22” | 22 inches | 59mm | Best budget |
| Globe Bantam ST 24” | 24 inches | 62mm | Best premium alternative |
Penny Classic 22” Original
The Penny Classic 22 inch is the original and still the standard. Plastic deck with that famous wide grippy waffle texture that holds your feet without grip tape, 59mm urethane wheels that are soft enough to roll over small cracks, and the brand quality that other plastic cruisers try to copy. Yes, it costs more than knockoffs but the trucks, bearings, and deck are noticeably better than the cheap clones. Many colorways available.
Penny Nickel 27” Cruiser
The Nickel is Penny’s 27-inch version for taller riders or anyone who finds the 22-inch too cramped. Same plastic deck construction, same wheel quality, just longer wheelbase that feels much more stable at speed and easier to push. If you are over about 5 foot 10 the 27-inch is genuinely more comfortable than the classic 22. Still fits in a backpack though slightly tighter, and works equally well for commuting or cruising.
Magneto Mini Cruiser
Magneto makes a 22-inch plastic cruiser that is the closest thing to a real Penny at a much lower price. The plastic feels almost identical, the trucks are decent, and the bearings will get you started. You will probably want to upgrade the bearings within a few months if you ride a lot. Better quality than the budget options below and the right choice if you want a Penny-like board without paying Penny brand prices.
Retrospec Quip 22” Cruiser
Retrospec Quip is the budget pick that gets you on a board for under thirty bucks. The plastic is softer than a real Penny, the trucks are tighter and less adjustable, and the wheels are not as smooth, but if you just want a cheap cruiser to ride to class or around the block it does the job. Great for kids, casual riders, and anyone testing whether they like the penny-board format before spending more.
Globe Bantam ST 24”
The Globe Bantam is the upgrade pick if you want a real skate-shop quality mini cruiser. Plastic-injected deck with metal-flake colorways, much better trucks than Penny’s stock trucks, and 62mm 78A wheels that roll smoother over pavement cracks. Two inches longer than a Penny 22 which gives you more foot room without losing portability. Best for adult riders who want a quality everyday cruiser.
What Matters Most
Deck quality is the foundation. Penny’s injection-molded plastic with the waffle grip pattern is the real deal and the cheap copies feel flimsier underfoot. Trucks matter next because cheap trucks have loose bushings that wobble at speed. Wheel hardness matters: 78A to 83A is the right range for cruising over real-world pavement. Bearings are the easiest upgrade if you outgrow stock ones, and ABEC 7 or 9 bearings make any board feel faster.
My Setup
I ride a Penny 22 in classic mint green that I have had for three years. Upgraded the bearings to Bones Reds early on, kept the stock wheels because they are still good, and tightened the trucks slightly for stability at speed. It lives in the side pocket of my backpack when I am not riding it. I use it for short campus hops and for the last mile from train to coffee shop. For longer cruises I have a 33-inch cruiser.
Common Mistakes
Biggest mistake is buying the cheapest knockoff and giving up on penny boards because the trucks were so wobbly. Get at least a Magneto or a real Penny. Second mistake is riding hard wheels designed for tricks, which feel terrible on rough pavement. Penny boards are for soft-wheel cruising. Third mistake is treating a penny board like a longboard at high speeds, because the short wheelbase will speed wobble fast.
Final Recommendation
For most riders the Penny Classic 22 is worth the brand premium because the build quality is genuinely better than knockoffs. Go up to the Nickel 27 if you are taller or want more stability. Save money with the Magneto Mini Cruiser if you are testing the format. Upgrade to a Globe Bantam if you want a real skate-shop quality mini cruiser. Whichever you pick, ride it like a cruiser not a trick board.
Frequently asked questions
Are penny boards good for beginners?+
They are great for cruising once you have basic balance, but the short 22-inch deck is twitchier than a longer cruiser and harder for absolute beginners to balance on. If you have never ridden any board, a 27 to 32-inch cruiser is easier to learn on. Once you are comfortable, the penny board is a fun, portable carry-everywhere board.
Penny board vs longboard for commuting?+
Penny board wins on portability. it fits in a backpack and weighs three pounds. Longboard wins on ride smoothness, longer pushes, and stability over cracks and pebbles. If your commute is under a mile and you need to carry the board indoors, penny board. Over a mile, longboard or a larger cruiser.