Regarding Longboarding, one of the most important decisions you must make is choosing the right board. There are numerous variations of skateboards accessible, each possessing distinctive traits and attributes.
Two of the most favored selections are the penny board and nickel board. These two boards are similar in many ways, but some key differences can make one a better choice for certain types of riders or styles of skating.
The main difference between penny and nickel boards is that these boards are larger in size and an ideal choice for beginner players. Secondly, nickel boards come with larger decks than penny boards and are also light in weight. In addition, both boards are lighter than regular longboards made of wood.
What is a Nickel Board?
The nickel board is a slightly larger version of the penny board, with a deck around 27 inches long. Like the penny board, the nickel board is typically made from plastic and features small, hard wheels. However, nickel boards are slightly heavier than penny boards, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the rider’s preferences.
What is a Penny Board?
The penny board, which gained popularity during the 1970s, is a miniature and light longboard. It is named after its size, roughly that of a penny.
However, the penny board is typically plastic, with a flat deck and small, hard wheels. These boards are known for maneuverability, making them popular for riders who enjoy cruising and carving.
Penny board VS Nickel Board (Key Features and Comparison)
What are the differences between penny boards and nickel boards?
The main differences between penny and nickel boards are their size, weight, and stability. Due to their compact size and lighter weight, penny boards are well-suited for cruising and carving. Nickel boards are larger and more stable, making them better for tricks and jumping.
1. Size and Dimensions
Penny boards are typically about 22 inches long, making them quite convenient to transport and store. They can also move quickly and nimbly thanks to their small size, which makes them ideal for navigating crowded streets or avoiding obstructions.
Nickel boards, however, are, on average, 27 inches long. The extra length promotes stability and offers you more room for your feet, making them an excellent alternative for riders who want a little more comfort without sacrificing too much portability.
2. Deck Construction and Materials
High-quality plastic is often used in penny boards, providing durability and adding to their recognizable retro appearance. Because the plastic decks are frequently flexible, they offer an enjoyable, responsive ride that dampens vibrations.
Like penny boards, nickel boards are also constructed with sturdy plastic longboard decks. However, nickel boards tend to have more rigidity than penny boards, offering riders a more stable and controlled ride.
3. Maneuverability and Performance
Penny boards are the kings of maneuverability. Their small size and lightweight construction make them incredibly agile, allowing riders to change direction and navigate tight spaces quickly. They are perfect for those who love a nimble and zippy ride.
While not as nimble as penny boards, nickel boards still have excellent maneuverability. Their longer length provides more stability, giving riders the confidence to tackle slightly rougher terrains. Nickel boards strike a balance between maneuverability and stability.
4. Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, both penny and nickel boards excel in their ways. Pennyboards are fantastic for cruising around town, carving through streets, and performing tricks. With their slightly larger size and stability, Nickel boards offer a smoother ride, making them ideal for longer commutes and cruising at higher speeds.
Whether you choose a penny board or a nickel board, both will bring plenty of fun and style to your skateboarding adventures. So go ahead, hop on a board, and enjoy the ride!
5. Suggested Terrain and Riding Styles
Penny boards are like the pocket-sized version of skateboards, making them ideal for cruising around smooth surfaces. They excel on sidewalks, bike paths, and campus grounds, where a smooth ride is guaranteed. However, consider a different board if you plan to hit rough terrain or conquer steep hills.
Nickel boards are slightly larger and more versatile than their penny counterparts. They easily handle rougher surfaces, such as cracked pavement or slightly uneven roads. If you’re adventurous and love exploring different terrains, the nickel board will be your trusty companion.
6. Riding Styles and Board Selection
Regarding riding styles, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. Pennyboards are great for short commutes, quick errands, or a leisurely cruise in the park.
On the other hand, nickel boards offer a bit more stability and control, making them a popular choice for longer rides or even some basic tricks. Whether you’re a laid-back cruiser or a daring trickster, there’s a board for every style.
7. Customization Options: Personalizing Penny and Nickel Boards
Penny boards offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to show off your unique style. From different colored decks and wheels to funky grip tapes and custom stickers, you can transform your penny board into a personalized work of art.
While more expansive than the options for penny boards, nickel boards still offer some customization features. You can choose from different deck designs and colors to match your personality. Additionally, you can experiment with alternative grip tapes or accessories to make it your own.
8. Price Points and Accessibility
Penny boards are generally more affordable compared to other skateboards or longboards. They offer a budget-friendly option for those who want a stylish and fun way to get around town without breaking the bank.
Nickel boards are slightly more expensive than penny boards due to their larger size and additional features. However, considering their versatility and durability, they still offer good value for money.
9. Accessibility and Availability
Both penny and nickel boards are available online and in many skate shops. Their popularity means you won’t have to search far and wide to get your hands on one. Plus, with various brands offering these boards, you have options to suit your preferences and budget.
Pros of Penny Boards
One of the main advantages of penny boards is their small size and lightweight construction. This makes them easy to carry around and store when not in use, which is great for riders who need to transport their board on public transportation or in a backpack. Penny boards are also very maneuverable, with a tight turning radius that allows riders to make quick turns and sharp movements.
Penny boards have another benefit of being cost-effective. Compared to other longboards, penny boards are comparatively cheaper, rendering them an excellent option for beginner riders or those with a limited budget. Despite their low price point, penny boards are also known for their durability, with many riders reporting that their boards have lasted for years with regular use.
Cons of Penny Boards
One of the main drawbacks of penny boards is their small size, which can disadvantage larger riders or those with big feet. The deck of a penny board is typically only around 22 inches long, making it difficult for riders to maintain their balance and stability.
Additionally, penny boards must be better suited for tricks, as their small size and hard wheels make it difficult to perform more advanced maneuvers.
Another potential downside of penny boards is their need for customization options. Most penny boards are plastic, so limited opportunities exist to modify the deck or longboard wheels to suit your style. This may not concern some riders, but those interested in customizing their board may need more options.
Pros of Nickel Boards
One of the main advantages of nickel boards is their larger size, making them more comfortable for riders with larger feet or those who prefer a more stable ride. The longer deck of a nickel board also provides more room for foot placement, which can be an advantage for riders interested in learning tricks or performing more advanced maneuvers.
Another advantage of nickel boards is their versatility. While penny boards are primarily designed for cruising and carving, nickel boards are better suited for various activities, including tricks and jumps.
The slightly larger size and weight of nickel boards can make them more stable for performing these maneuvers while retaining the maneuverability and agility that make them popular among riders.
Cons of Nickel Board
One potential disadvantage of nickel boards is their weight. While the additional weight can make the board more stable and easier to perform tricks on, it can also be a drawback for riders looking for a lightweight board that is easy to carry around.
The larger size of the nickel board can also make it more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, which may be a disadvantage for riders who prefer a more elegant board.
Another potential drawback of nickel boards is their cost. While they are still relatively affordable compared to other longboards, nickel boards are generally more expensive than penny boards. This may be a consideration for riders on a tight budget or just starting who don’t want to invest too much money in a longboard.
Your preference and riding technique will significantly determine whether you choose a penny or nickel board. If you are looking for a lightweight, maneuverable board that is great for cruising and carving, a penny board may be your best choice.
However, a nickel board may be better if you want to learn tricks and jumps and need a more stable board with an enormous deck.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What are the benefits of riding a penny board?
The small size and lightweight composition of penny boards make them an excellent option for cruising and carving and being effortless to transport. Furthermore, they can be a delightful and fashionable mode of transportation around town.
Can you enumerate the advantages of using a nickel board?
Nickel boards are more stable and easier to perform tricks on, making them ideal for riders who want to learn and improve their longboarding skills. The nickel boards have larger decks, providing a more comfortable ride for riders with bigger feet.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a penny board or a nickel board, the most important thing is to find a longboard that matches your interests and riding style. By considering the pros and cons of each type of board and following the tips outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and choose a longboard that you will love riding for years to come.
