Which should you choose between longboard vs. penny board? You may have heard of these two terms when looking for a skateboard. They are two popular types of skateboards with quite different characteristics and uses.
For a skateboarder, understanding the core differences between these two categories is very critical. This post will discuss the basics of longboards and penny boards to give detailed comparisons.
Based on the information provided, you can figure out which is the most optimal type for your needs and preferences. Continue reading, and I will show you.
What Is A Longboard?
If a skateboard has a deck size ranging between 38 inches to 50 inches, it is called a longboard. In general, longboards are the largest and most prevalent type of skateboard on the market.
They also have larger wheels and components. Although the wheels are bigger than the regular shortboards, they feature a lower hardness (around 80).
If the wheels are too hard, they can easily break when taking a strong vibration. Therefore the larger wheels need to use softer material to ensure their sturdiness and give users a smooth riding experience.
Due to its ample riding space and large deck, the longboards are ideal for various tasks like recreational riding. A longboard is also easier for the rider to keep balance and control due to its ample deck space.
For this reason, a longboard can be used for people of all ages and levels, from beginners to intermediates. Even professional riders love using the longboards due to their high comfort and beautiful designs.
What Is A Penny Board?
Contrary to the longboards, a penny board features a significantly shorter and smaller deck. Its deck is commonly made of plastic and ranges between 22 inches to 27 inches in size, which are the smallest deck sizes on the market.
The penny boards usually come with a grip tape, and trucks are made of cast aluminum. Meanwhile, most of the penny boards’ wheels are plastic with a hardness of 83A.
Due to the small size, this skateboard type is ideal for riding in crowded areas and small spaces. It is not suitable for sloppy terrains with uneven surfaces.
The main advantage lies in its lightweight, which gives users more portability and convenience in the usage process. You can frequently pick up the skateboard and carry it around effortlessly.
Differences Between Longboard Vs. Penny Board
As I have covered the basics of the two categories, let’s move on to find out how they are different. You can also consider these factors when looking for a skateboard that suits your preferences.
| Features | Longboard | Penny Board |
| Deck Size | 28 inches to 44 inches | 22 inches to 27 inches |
| Round tip shape | Sharp | Round |
| Common materials | wood, aluminum, or plastic | Plastic |
| Standard Weight | 1,81 kilograms | 3 to 4 kilograms |
| Wheel Hardness | 80A | 83A |
| Main Advantage | Comfort and space | Portability and lightweight |
| Suitable for | Crushing, riding, downhill racing, long trips | Commuting in crowded areas and tight spaces |
Size
As their name suggests, the longboards come with significantly longer deck sizes than the penny boards. The typical penny boards feature a 22-inch deck, while some nickel versions can go up to 27 inches.
Meanwhile, the average deck sizes of the longboards range between 28 inches to 44 inches, which are nearly double the size of their counterparts. Therefore longboards are ideal if you want more riding space on the deck.
Material
You can find many longboards with wooden desks with great durability. The longboard’s decks can withstand strong vibration when cruising on rough terrain like a hill slope.
Therefore, the manufacturers use more high-quality materials such as steel, hardwood, or aluminum to make the wheels and skateboard decks. Meanwhile, most penny boards feature a plastic deck.
Although plastic is not as durable as the other materials, it is significantly lighter. As a result, you can pick up and carry a penny board around with ease.
In addition, plastic decks and wheels are significantly cheaper than the other high-end materials. It can help reduce the overall cost of skateboards.
Design
A longboard usually has sharped or squared round tips, while a penny board has a round or curved end. Although they both have four wheels and a standing desk, the longboards’ wheels are significantly larger.
Durability
Due to the high-end materials, longboards are much harder to break or wear down. The large wheels can travel on rough terrains without taking external damage.
The plastic deck and wheels of a penny board are more prone to vibration and shocks. Therefore it is only suitable for cruising in the street or on flat grounds.
However, the larger decks are more likely to break when you drop or hit a wall.
Their square tips can be bent easily and leave a permanent crack or dent. Also, the longboard’s wooden surface is more prone to dust and scratches.
Therefore their appearance will deteriorate over time. Meanwhile, the cheap plastic surface is immune to moisture, medium heat, and scratches. Most penny boards can retain their original look over a long period.
Weight
Another noticeable difference is the weight of the two categories. In general, a longboard weighs around 3 to 4 kilograms, which is 1,5 or two times heavier than a common penny board.
Therefore you can not pick up and carry a longboard by hand easily due to its heavy weight and large deck. Meanwhile, the penny boards are very light and compact, suitable for those who frequently have to pick up the skateboard.
Speed
The larger wheels give longboards a higher speed and enable users to keep balance more efficiently. Therefore they are ideal for cruising on long roads and far distances.
The wheels of shortboards are very small to reduce the cost of materials. They don’t deliver as high speed and satisfying riding experience as the longboards.
Price
The cost may be the ultimate factor that affects your buying decision. Due to the more high-end materials, larger size, and more beautiful design, a longboard is undoubtedly costlier than a regular penny board.
Also, plastic penny boards are very cheap and easy to use. Therefore, they are suitable for beginners who have just gotten into skateboarding.
If you want more in-depth comparisons, consider watching the video below.
Pros And Cons Of Longboard And Penny Board
| Longboard | Penny Board | |
| Pros | ● Ample riding space
● Higher durability ● High-quality material ● Smooth riding experience ● Faster speed ● More beautiful design |
● Affordable price
● Great portability ● The plastic surface ● Lightweight ● Ideal for crowded streets |
| Cons | ● Expensive
● Higher weights |
● Hard to use
● Slow speed and cheap plastic material ● Less riding space |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
To sum up, it boils down to your need to make the decision. If you regularly go crushing on long roads or on the hill, choose the longboard.
It is more suitable for beginners, provides more comfort, a smoother experience, and more value for money.
Meanwhile, people with a tighter budget can consider getting a penny board.
If you want to cruise from home to school or work in a crowded city, the penny boards are a more suitable option. Thank you for reading!
