Penny Board
By now, you’ve probably seen someone carving down the sidewalk or zipping through your neighborhood on what looks like a colorful, late-1970’s skateboard. Chances are, you’ve seen one of the most popular skateboarding-related creations in the last ten years – the Penny Skateboard! These lightweight, responsive skateboards hit the market in 2010 and were created by long time Australian skateboarder Ben Mackay. However, even though Ben brought this design into modern popularity, plastic skateboard designs like the Penny board date all the way back to 1978.
The Early Days
Plastic skateboard decks like Penny Skateboards have had an interesting history of re-emergence. The first known plastic skateboard was created in 1978 by a Venice Beach lifeguard named Larry Stevenson. Larry’s plastic skateboards were produced under his own board company called Makaha Skateboards and Larry is even remembered (RIP) as the creator and patent owner of the “kicktail” design on a skateboard deck (the upward concave of a tail on a skateboard). While Larry’s initial plastic deck constructions may not have experienced continued success, the plastic skateboard design reappeared in the early 1990’s. Successful modern skate brands like Krooked Skateboards, Stereo, and Globe produced plastic skateboards during this time. However, similar to Larry’s experience, these designs just didn’t meet market demand in quite the way that a seven-ply maple skateboard deck could. Now, it seems that times have certainly changed. Ben Mackay’s “Penny Skateboards” were inspired by a traditional plastic skateboard that his father had given him when he was just 5 years old. However, Ben improved the old-school design by creating his own plastic cruiser with modern, performance skate components that give it response and ride-ability that skaters of the 70’s could only have dreamed of! Ben decided to found his own company in 2010 to make these boards again and decided to name it after his sister – Penny!
Cruising Into a New Era
Quite unlike the stories of previous plastic skateboard deck manufacturers, Penny Skateboards have experienced an unprecedented level of success in the skateboarding world in recent years. Ben’s Penny boards have actually become so successful that the name “Penny Skateboard” has become a general term to describe any kind of plastic mini-cruiser skateboard on the market today. However, no other brand or manufacturer has managed to achieve the quality, durability, lightweight and responsive design of an authentic Penny Skateboard! Beware of all the other cheap options on the market that look similar to a true Penny board. These brands may offer a similar look, but the quality of the components on these boards are not comparable to the components specifically engineered by Penny to create their authentic Penny design. Extensive thought has gone into each component to ensure that it retains the form and feel of a classic board from the 70’s, but with the performance features of a modern high-end skateboard. Nowadays, Penny Skateboards Australia produces four different complete skateboard designs. Each design is categorized by their overall length, ranging from 22” to 36”. For comparison, a standard wood popsicle skateboard deck is generally about 32” long. We’ll discuss each Penny model and how to determine the best ride for you further in the reading.
What Makes an Authentic Penny Skateboard?
Several specially designed components come together to make Penny skateboards awesome. Beginning with the deck, you’ll notice that Penny boards do not come with griptape on top like a typical skateboard. Instead, Penny boards are molded with a built-in “waffle-top” design. This design is actually similar to the super grippy sole of a classic Vans skate shoe. Not only does the waffle-top of each Penny board give it a nice, grippy ride, it gives every board a trademark look that you won’t find on any other plastic skate deck. You’ll know the board is authentic by the “Penny” logo embossed in the center of each Penny deck.
On the bottom of every board, there are thick “grooves” that strategically give each board the right level of flexibility. Unlike wood skate decks, Penny board decks will flex when you ride them, but for good reason. The flex of a Penny board allows the rider to lean the weight to the sides and really carve into turns. This is a big part of what makes skating a Penny board unique from other cruisers.
Next are the original Penny brand trucks found on each complete. Penny trucks are almost always color-matched to the specific board they are mounted on. However, a constant is that they always feature a raised “Penny” logo branding on the front of the hanger and on each baseplate. The trucks feature premium-quality bushings that help give the board the smooth turns and carves they are known for.
Finally, one of the most important components of every Penny board – the wheels! Penny Skateboard wheels always have a “durometer” or hardness rating of 83A. For comparison, a downhill longboard wheel is generally 78A (very soft) while a technical street skateboarding wheel is around 101A (hard). The hardness of Penny wheels is formulated to give their lightweight boards the perfect amount of grip that naturally gathers momentum while carving and cruising. This hardness will also give the wheels a smooth and comfortable ride on slightly rougher surfaces, allowing the board to cruise quickly even on rougher streets.
The Penny Collection of Today
Now that we’ve gone over all the things that make Penny Skateboards incredible, check out the current models that Penny Skateboards Australia has to offer!
The 22” Penny Skateboard
The 22” Penny skateboard is the original Penny board. The small size gives it very responsive and nimble skate performance combined with super easy transportability for travel. The 22” Penny board comes in a massive variety of awesome color combinations and even with limited edition graphics. One of the latest designs features The Simpsons themed graphics with many of the main Simpsons characters featured on the bottom of the board. In addition, Penny has just teamed up with Tony Hawk and Birdhouse Skateboards to create a limited series with the iconic Tony Hawk skeleton eagle graphic. This series also features black griptape on the top of the deck, a special option as Penny boards otherwise always feature the waffle-pattern on the top.
The 27 Penny Skateboard
The 27” Penny board is the step up from the legendary 22” model. The 27” is not only longer but a bit wider, making it a better option for larger skaters or adults who prefer a little more space for their feet. The wider design also makes this board a bit more stable at higher speeds. Just like the 22”, the 27” comes in a huge array of color options and you’ll find the same limited series graphics, even graphics such as Star Wars or the Tony Hawk series.
The 32” Penny Cruiser Skateboard
Can’t decide between a cruiser skateboard and a Penny board?! Skate the best of both worlds with the 32” Penny cruiser skateboard. The Penny cruiser features a full nose and tail like a traditional skateboard, making it possible to use the cruiser for skate tricks. This cruiser is especially fun for skating bowls or transition at a skatepark and will offer a different ride than any other cruiser out there. The wide riding surface also makes it a great option for skaters who are just too large for the smaller Penny options.
The 36” Penny Longboard
The Penny longboard is one of the newest models in their lineup and it’s already a hit. It features the shape of a common pintail-style longboard, but the entire deck is made out of their unique plastic formula, giving the deck the perfect amount of flex for carving into turns and slides. The Penny longboard can be used for smooth cruising or even fast downhill skating and it features specially developed inverted longboard trucks by Penny. Just because it’s a Penny board doesn’t mean it has to be small!
“ Okay, Penny boards are freakin’ awesome, but which one should I get ?! ”
Luckily, picking out the right Penny Skateboard for you isn’t hard and can be a whole lot of fun! Firstly, choosing a Penny Skateboard actually has a lot to do with personal preference. There is not actually a set rule for which board that certain size riders must use. Instead, just understand that the traditional 22” Penny board is a good option for riders who intend to bring the board along with them while traveling places (it’s easy to stow in your skateboard backpack) and it’s the smallest option, making it the best choice for younger riders. For slightly larger skaters or adults who still want the agile feel of the traditional model, check out the 27” Penny board. This model is a bit wider, making it better for bigger feet as well as offering a little more stability at higher speeds.
The 32” Penny Cruiser is an awesome option for someone looking for something that’s the size of a standard skateboard deck of today. The 32” Penny board features a full nose and tail, enabling the board to be used for modern skateboard tricks and it offers the same amount of foot space as a full-size modern skateboard for larger skaters. Finally, the 36” Penny longboard! This board is ideal for skaters looking for the longboard experience, but who are also fans of the lightweight and flexible construction of a plastic Penny deck. If you’re used to skating things like electric skateboards that reach super-fast speeds, the Penny longboard will also reach high top speeds while downhill skating, a must for adrenaline junkies. But, if you’re going to race your Penny longboard downhill, just be sure to wear a good skateboard helmet! No matter which Penny board you choose, you’re sure to have a unique, old-school, and seriously fun skateboarding experience that can only be had with an authentic Penny Skateboard!
New In Penny Board ? Below you will find introduction how to ride a Penny Skateboard
Bones Reds skateboard bearings are essentially the standard by which all other bearings are judged. Not only have they been on the market for longer than most other bearings, they remain to be one of the best-selling skate bearings of all time. Reds undeniably offer a price/performance ratio that exceeds practically all other “standard” skateboard bearings on the market today. They are not the best choice for longboarders, transition/bowl skaters, or skaters who demand the highest performance, but they are the go-to bearing for the average skateboarder. They have a classic design featuring red rubber shields and a high-speed nylon ball cage lubricated with Bones speed cream from the factory. With occasional cleaning and maintenance, Bones Reds will last a very long time, making them well worth the +/- $20 price tag.
Andale is a relatively new bearing company having began in 2010. However, in such a short amount of time, Andale has built up one of the best skate teams of any brand on our list. It was founded by Paul Rodriguez and Joey Brezinski but features a team of riders including Ryan Sheckler, Yuto Horigome, Torey Pudwill, and Tiago Lemos, just to name a few. Honestly, these dudes are some of the best skateboarders in the world. It says a lot about the quality and performance of these bearings considering they are what these legends really skate! The Andale Swiss bearings are at the top of their product offering and have been tested to withstand loads of up to one ton. So, even if you put on your 
Flip HKD Bearings – time-tested! Even though Flip is probably not the first brand that comes to mind when you think of skateboard bearings, the Flip HKD bearings have certainly been rolling in many skater’s wheels for years. These bearings are also a great option for those with a price-point of around $10. They look cool with an all-black design, feature removable shields for easy cleaning, and the steel balls have a micron coating that helps them roll faster for longer. A great choice if you’re not into the Mini-logo bearing offerings.
If style is what you’re after, the Kyle Walker pro bearings from Cortina are just what you’re looking for. Cortina is a relatively new bearing company, but their products have already added an innovative touch to what’s on the market. Cortina is one of the only, if not the only, bearing company that features 3 different shield colors included in the package. The Walker pro bearings include black shields, green shields, or red-grey checkered shields to change to your liking.
If Herman skates ‘em, they’ve gotta be good! Similar to the Cortina bearings on our list, the Shake Junt Bryan Herman pro bearings are definitely one of the coolest looking bearings out there. The light-blue removable rubber shields feature the Shake Junt name and logo as well as a “B. Herman” signature on each bearing. Four included spacers keep them nicely in line. Who knows, maybe they’ll even help you land better hard flips!
The Bones “Bearing Cleaning Unit” allows you to quickly line up your bearings on a shaft with the shields removed. Fill the bottle half way up with a non-water-based cleaning solution and simply shake the bottle with the bearings inside. The dirt will quickly and effectively be flushed out of each bearing, providing a much better and faster clean than trying to flush each bearing out individually.
An absolute must-have for each time you clean your bearings. By “must-have”, we mean, you have to put lubricant on your bearings after they are cleaned or else they will become permanently destroyed the next time you go skate. Bones Speed Cream is essentially the industry-standard skateboard bearing lubricant and it will work with all bearings.
Who could possibly make a better skateboarding backpack than one of the oldest and most legendary skateboarding companies in the world – Santa Cruz Skateboards! It’s pretty simple to understand why this backpack made our list as it was basically built from the ground up for skateboarding! The SC guys know what they’re doing, which is why the Plaza backpack features breathable, padded sections on the back, comfortable shoulder straps, and quick-access Velcro board straps on the front. Notice how the Santa Cruz logo patch is found on the outside of the board straps, keeping it in view when your board is strapped up. It’s the details that count! At 17 liters, the Plaza backpack features a large main compartment as well as a smaller front zipper pocket for your skate tool and essentials. Excellent size for day trips without feeling too bulky. Plus, with this backpack you know you’re not only getting a super awesome bag, you’ll be supporting a truly skater-owned company that you can be proud of!
Simple, stylish, and durable Vans quality! If you’re looking for a classic skate backpack design, look no further than the Vans Skatepack Backpack. The name of this backpack alone tells you it was built for skateboarding! Like many great skate backpacks before it, the Skatepack features Velcro board straps on the front for quick access to your board. The Vans logo patch on the front stays visible even when your board is strapped up. Inside, you’ll find a large main compartment for your clothes, laptop, etc. It allows the perfect amount of space for a short weekend trip or a day trip. The front and sides of the bag offer you easy access to your skate tool, wax, phone and other small goods, thanks to the two spacious zip pockets and open side pockets. The Skatepack is an excellent choice for those searching for a minimalist design capable of fulfilling all the requirements for the perfect skateboard backpack.
The Nike SB Courthouse backpack is actually named after one of the most legendary skate spots in history – The Los Angeles Courthouse! Considering this backpack is named after a skate spot itself, it’s safe to assume it’s a pretty good skateboarding backpack! While it may not be the biggest option in terms of size on our list, the Courthouse is possibly the best backpack to wear while skating through the city and searching for spots. It features a padded, mesh back section with Nike SB logo stitching, thick shoulder straps, and a reinforced section on the bottom for durability when tossing it on the ground. It has a large main compartment with an integrated, net pocket with a zipper on the inside. The very front of the bag can be opened by a vertical zipper along the left side which tucks away neatly under the Velcro board straps. For those looking for a bag to wear while skating from spot to spot, the Courthouse is your best bet.
After proving themselves with the classic Mohave backpack, Element has seemingly outdone themselves again with the even more advanced Jaywalker skateboard backpack. Improving upon the successes of the Mohave, the Jaywalker ups the ante with an updated style and even more features. It still has a massive 30-liter storage space like the Mohave, but it comes with things like a RipStop 600 polyester bottom section which adds considerable strength and durability to the bag. In addition to the padded, breathable back section, a one really cool feature to note is the metal hooks attached to the thick shoulder straps. These hooks allow you to easily attach your keys or other objects to the straps so you can access them without taking off the bag. The top of the bag is fitted with a stylish, diagonal-cut zipper that opens to the large main compartment and the zip-able side pockets give you quick access to smaller goodies. The Jaywalker is the step up from the iconic Mohave backpack and is a premium-quality option for those who need a good size skateboard backpack to use on trips.
The Vans Planned Backpack is the mid-range option just between the original Vans skatepack and the Vans Authentic III skatepack. The Planned backpack is a super economical choice between the options from Vans as it offers improvements from the original skatepack at quite a lower price than the premium Authentic III backpack. Strap your board in with the Velcro straps, separate your gear with the two large main compartments, throw your skate tool and wax in the zip-able side pockets, and if you still need extra room, open up the smaller front pocket. Like other more premium skateboard backpack options, the Planned backpack also has a thick, reinforced bottom section to increase durability. A simple Vans logo patch is found on the front of the bag and there’s a classic Vans label flag on one of the shoulder straps for style. This backpack is probably the best mid-range option on our list and it offers ample space for weekend skate trips with all the features you could desire.
The Dakine Lid skateboard backpack breaks away from most of the other styles in our list with it’s large, “lid” style top opening. This style of the backpack has gained popularity in recent years for it’s practical, an easy-to-open design that can give the bag a bit more space inside. With 26 liters of overall storage space, the Lid backpack offers more than enough room for a weekend skate adventure with its spacious design. A cool feature of this bag is the padded, breathable mesh lining on the inside of the shoulder straps. You can kiss sweaty shoulders goodbye as you skate through the summer heat! The sides of the bag are fitted with large zip pockets capable of holding a small bottle and the bottom of the bag has a thick, reinforced section so you never have to worry about throwing the bag down on the ground. Of course, you can strap on your board with the durable board straps with clips. The Dakine Lid is the traveling skateboarder’s best companion!
As the old saying goes, “Ride the best, f**k the rest”! Independent Truck Company has been producing some of the best skateboarding trucks in the industry for over 40 years. With experience like that, they definitely know a thing or two about what skateboarders need! The Independent Transit backpack is one of the few bags on our list that features horizontal board straps. Therefore, your board will stay evenly horizontal with the weight evenly distributed across your back when it’s strapped in. In addition, it features a comfortably padded back section, wide padded shoulder straps, and the whole bag is made out of durable outer material for strength. If that wasn’t enough, any fan of Independent Trucks wouldn’t be caught dead without this backpack considering the sick Indy patches and logo details found throughout the whole design. You can bet that the skaters on the Independent team use this backpack when going on skate tours, and you can too!
The design of DC’s The Breed backpack is just as iconic as the Element Mohave. With years of experience under its belt, The Breed takes all the best features you could want in a skateboard backpack and combines them into one super stylish bag. Everything about the back and shoulder sections of this bag is designed for comfort and breathability while out skating. The thick shoulder straps are fully breathable and have no hard seams to irritate your shoulders and the breathable mesh continues throughout the whole back area. There are two spacious side pockets with zippers, a quick-access pocket for your skate tool on the front, and the bag opens up to a huge main compartment with inner zip pockets inside. The bag also proudly displays the DC shoe company brand with a large, embroidered DC logo on the front and a quality, rubberized logo patch at the top. The Breed skateboard backpack offers a super sleek design, performance features, and premium quality at a reasonable price.
If you’re not a fan of the Nike SB Courthouse backpack, perhaps the Embarca backpack is what you’re looking for! It’s yet to be known whether “Embarca” is referring to the famous San Francisco skate spot Embarcadero, but that’s reason enough to take this bag with you on your next skate trip to EMB! Speaking of skate trips, much like the Courthouse backpack, the Embarca is also an excellent choice to wear while skating through the city. The design has a comfortable and functional ergonomic fit with shoulder straps and back section that holds your back for ease of movement. The front of the bag features durable Velcro straps with a Nike SB logo patch on the top strap for style. The large main compartment offers ample space for your gear or laptop and a horizontal zipper is found on the front, a contrast from the vertical zipper design of the Courthouse bag. Overall, the Embarca is a step up from the Nike SB courthouse backpack and is a quality choice as a day trip or short weekend companion.
Who would have thought a snowboarding company could make an amazing skateboard backpack?! Well, Burton did! The Burton Kilo backpack is actually so well made that it’s earned an Amazon’s Choice award for all the high ratings it’s received online. The people have spoken and they’re saying this backpack is legit! The Kilo is loaded with every feature a skateboarder could possibly desire. From skate straps with buckles to four huge external accessory pockets, it certainly isn’t lacking in space. The giant main compartment features internal organization pockets including a 16.5” laptop pocket. The wide shoulder straps with center locking strap and the padded back section ensure comfortable wear. Burton didn’t spare on style though. The quality leather logo patch on the front of the bag gives it a truly premium look. Even though Burton may not be a truly skate-oriented company, they have done an exceptional job creating a backpack for their skateboard brothers with the Kilo backpack!
Welcome to the big leagues. Vans presents the Authentic III Skatepack Backpack – the top-of-the-line model in the Vans Skatepack series! The Authentic III skatepack features similar characteristics to its predecessors but with a few premium additions. Mainly, the Authentic III is designed for comfort as it has ergonomic shoulder straps and a soft, padded mesh back section that offers breathability to keep your back dry. Both of these features give the backpack a comfortable fit during movement such as ripping through the streets on your board. If you need to stow your board, strap it up with the durable Velcro board straps. It’s definitely not lacking on space either. The Authentic III features two large main compartments with top zippers. The main compartments also have inner organization pockets and some of the color options have a classic Vans checkerboard pattern on the interior fabric. This skateboard backpack offers more than enough room for weekend skate trips and the premium design is sure to offer you comfort and durability through many adventures.
The Nike SB RPM Backpack essentially sets the standard for high-end skateboard backpacks on the market today. The RPM is the cream of the crop when it comes to design, durability, functionality, and style. The feature list is long as it includes basically everything a skater could desire in a backpack. Something that especially sticks out is that the whole outer shell is made of water-resistant 600D polyester, meaning that even if you’re caught in a summer downpour, all your gear will stay perfectly dry. If you have to run from the cops at a skate spot with it, don’t worry about sweating as the whole back section and shoulder straps are lined with a breathable mesh fabric which features a style Nike SB stitching. Space is no issue, thanks to two huge main compartments with interior pockets including a net pocket with zipper. Finally, the bottom of the bag is covered with a textured polyester material that resists scratches or scuffing. This bag is a higher priced option on our list but it is a great example of “you get what you pay for”. The RPM backpack will undoubtedly last you through countless skate sessions and trips with its super durable design. We wouldn’t mind taking it on a trip ourselves!
The Dakine Ledge backpack has made our list primarily for its excellent versatility to be used for photographers or filmers. Many times, skate filmers and photographers must keep up with their crew while skating through the streets holding a camera bag. Ditch the satchel-style camera bag for this premium-quality Ledge backpack! The Ledge is also one of only two skateboard backpacks on our list with horizontal board straps. In addition, the section of the backpack that skateboard grip tape is touching when it’s strapped in has been covered in a durable, textured polyester section that won’t wear out from abrasion. The large front flap opens up to a huge, 25-liter main compartment and the flap itself has an easy-access, fleece lined phone or sunglass pocket. The left side pocket has an elastic band closure for drink bottles and the right side has a flap closure for protection. All-in-all, the Ledge backpack goes above and beyond with features not seen in other bags and is an especially good option for filmers and photographers to carry their gear as well.
By now, you may have scrolled to the bottom of our list to see the prized skateboard backpack with the highest price point we’ve selected. Well, honestly you might not have even heard of this brand but don’t worry, we hadn’t either. In addition, they seem to have little connection to skateboarding. So, what gives?! It turns out that this brand “Skunk Bags” has been absolutely killing it this whole time and they just happen to have possibly the most practical, performance skateboard backpack on the market. What’s so special? The Nomad skate backpack is actually constructed of anti-bacterial silver nylon fibers and it features an integrated carbon filter air flow system. Why does it matter? Because you can throw your filthy, sweaty shirt, knee pads, socks, or whatever other disgusting skate gear you have in this bad boy and you won’t smell a thing! This is particularly life-changing during skate trips where you have to keep your dirty clothes in your bag for several days. In addition, don’t worry about even the worst storms because the whole thing is waterproof, including the zippers to the front pocket and laptop pocket. Plus, if you really have something to hide, it even features a combination lock on the top, something we haven’t seen in any other skate backpack on the market. So, we’ve saved the best for last – and the best is the Nomad skateboard backpack from Skunk Bags!
