In-Depth Review: Brains Skateboard – 17 x 5 Inch Mini Skateboard
1. Product Overview
The Brains Skateboard (17 x 5 Inch) is a compact, mini-sized skateboard designed primarily for young children, beginners, or light cruising. With a length of just 17 inches (43 cm) and width of 5 inches (12.7 cm), this board is significantly smaller than standard skateboards – making it easy to carry, store, and maneuver for small riders.
Key specifications:
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Length: 17 inches (approx. 43 cm)
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Width: 5 inches (approx. 12.7 cm)
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Type: Mini skateboard / Mini cruiser
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Best for: Young children (ages 3-7), beginners, indoor/light outdoor use
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Brand: Brains (likely a budget/entry-level brand)
2. Size Comparison – How Small Is 17 x 5 Inches?
To understand this board's size, compare it to standard skateboard dimensions:
| Board Type | Length | Width | Typical User |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard skateboard | 28-32 inches | 7.5-8.5 inches | Teens, adults, experienced skaters |
| Mini skateboard | 22-27 inches | 6-7 inches | Children (ages 6-10), beginners |
| Brains 17 x 5 (this product) | 17 inches | 5 inches | Young children (ages 3-7), novelty use |
| Finger skateboard / Tech deck | 3-4 inches | 1-2 inches | Collectors, desk toy |
✅ Very small – perfect for toddlers and young children.
✅ Highly portable – fits in a backpack or can be carried like a toy.
⚠️ Not for teens or adults – too small for comfortable riding.
⚠️ Not for skateparks – lacks the stability and pop of full-sized boards.
3. Build Quality & Materials
Based on typical mini skateboard construction, the Brains 17 x 5 likely features:
| Component | Typical Material | Quality Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 3-5 ply maple or birch wood (thin) | Basic – suitable for light use |
| Grip tape | Fine-grit adhesive tape | Basic – provides some traction |
| Trucks | Low-profile plastic or metal trucks | Basic – may be less durable |
| Wheels | Plastic or polyurethane (likely 60-80A) | Basic – for smooth surfaces |
| Bearings | Basic steel bearings (Abec 1-3 equivalent) | Basic – minimal roll speed |
✅ Adequate for young children – light enough for small kids to handle.
✅ Simple construction – easy to understand and maintain.
⚠️ Not built for heavy use – will wear faster than full-sized boards.
⚠️ Quality varies by brand – Brains is a budget brand; expect entry-level components.
4. Deck – Shape & Concave
The deck of a 17-inch mini skateboard is typically flat or nearly flat (minimal concave):
| Deck Feature | Typical for this size |
|---|---|
| Shape | Mini popsicle or rounded cruiser shape |
| Concave | Minimal or none – flat deck |
| Kicktail | Small kicktail (helps with turning and basic tricks) |
| Ply count | 3-5 plies (thin, lightweight) |
For young children: A flat deck with a small kicktail is perfect for learning balance and basic riding.
✅ Easy to stand on – flat deck is stable for small feet.
✅ Lightweight – children can easily lift and position the board.
⚠️ Limited pop – not suitable for ollies or advanced tricks.
5. Wheels & Bearings – Rolling Performance
The wheels are a critical component for ride quality:
| Wheel Feature | Typical for mini boards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 40-50 mm | Small wheels – good for smooth surfaces |
| Material | Plastic or low-quality PU | May be hard and less grippy |
| Durometer | 80A-95A (softer to medium) | Softer wheels = smoother ride |
| Bearings | Basic steel (Abec 1-3) | Slow roll, may not spin freely |
Where to ride:
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✅ Smooth concrete – driveways, sidewalks, indoor floors
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✅ Wood floors – inside the house
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⚠️ Rough asphalt – will vibrate and roll poorly
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❌ Wet surfaces – not recommended (slippery and damages bearings)
✅ Decent for smooth surfaces – fine for driveways and indoor use.
⚠️ Not for rough terrain – small wheels get stuck in cracks.
6. Who Is This For? – Target Audience
| User | Suitability | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers (ages 2-3) | ⭐⭐⭐ | With supervision – board is very small and light |
| Young children (ages 3-7) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect size for learning balance and coordination |
| Older children (ages 8-12) | ⭐⭐ | May be too small; prefer 22-27 inch mini boards |
| Teens/Adults (13+) | ⭐ | Too small – uncomfortable and unstable |
| Beginners (young kids) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great first skateboard |
| Indoor use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent for riding inside the house |
| Outdoor smooth surfaces | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Works on driveways, sidewalks, patios |
| Skatepark use | ⭐ | Not suitable – too small, no pop |
✅ Best for children ages 3-7 – the ideal first skateboard.
✅ Great indoor toy – can ride on hardwood floors or tile.
7. Safety Considerations
For parents buying this for young children:
| Safety Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Protective gear | Always use helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards |
| Supervision | Adult supervision required for children under 8 |
| Smooth surfaces | Only ride on smooth, dry, debris-free surfaces |
| Check hardware | Regularly tighten trucks and wheels |
| Weight limit | Check manufacturer's weight limit (likely 40-60 lbs / 18-27 kg) |
✅ Safe when used properly – with gear and supervision.
⚠️ Not a toy to leave unattended – young children can fall.
⚠️ Not for stairs or ramps – this board is for flat ground only.
8. Brains Brand Overview
Brains appears to be a budget or entry-level skateboard brand – not a major name like Element, Santa Cruz, or Powell Peralta. Products under this brand are typically:
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Affordable – lower price point
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Basic quality – good for beginners and young children
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Available on online marketplaces – Amazon, eBay, AliExpress
✅ Good value for young children – they will outgrow it quickly anyway.
⚠️ Not for serious skating – consider reputable brands for older children.
9. Standard Skateboard vs Mini Skateboard vs Fingerboard
| Feature | Standard (28-32") | Mini (22-27") | Brains 17" (this product) | Fingerboard (3-4") |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User age | 10+ | 6-10 | 3-7 | Collectors |
| Weight capacity | 200+ lbs | 120+ lbs | 50-70 lbs | N/A |
| Ride quality | Excellent | Good | Basic | N/A |
| Portability | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Very good |
| Trick capability | Yes (all) | Basic tricks | None/minimal | Desk tricks |
✅ The 17 x 5 size is for the youngest riders – perfect for kids who are just learning to stand and balance.
10. How to Choose the Right Skateboard Size for a Child
| Child Age | Recommended Deck Length |
|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 17-22 inches (mini board) |
| 4-6 years | 22-27 inches |
| 6-9 years | 27-30 inches |
| 9+ years / teens | 30-32 inches (standard) |
✅ This 17-inch board is appropriate for ages 2-4 or very small children.
⚠️ For a 5-7 year old – a 22-inch board may be more appropriate and last longer.
11. Pros and Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| ✅ Very small – perfect for toddlers and young children | ❌ Too small for older children or adults |
| ✅ Lightweight – easy for small kids to carry | ❌ Limited ride quality – small wheels get stuck |
| ✅ Portable – fits in a backpack | ❌ Not for skateparks or rough terrain |
| ✅ Affordable – entry-level price | ❌ Limited brand reputation (Brains) |
| ✅ Great for learning balance indoors | ❌ May outgrow quickly |
| ✅ Safe for supervised indoor use | ❌ Basic components (wheels, bearings) |
12. Value for Money
The Brains Skateboard 17 x 5 Inch typically costs between ₹800 – ₹2,000 ($10 – $25 USD) depending on the seller.
What you get:
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1 complete mini skateboard (deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, bearings)
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Compact size for young children
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Basic quality for learning
Cost per year of use: If a 3-year-old uses it for 2 years, that's ₹400-1000 per year – reasonable for a child's toy.
✅ Good value for a child's first skateboard – cheap enough to replace when outgrown.
❌ Not a long-term investment – the child will outgrow it quickly.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What age is this skateboard suitable for?
A: Approximately ages 2-7, depending on the child's size. Smaller children (2-4) will fit best; larger children (5-7) may find it too small.
Q: Can adults ride this board?
A: Not recommended – the board is too small for adult feet and weight. It would be unstable and uncomfortable.
Q: Is it good for learning tricks?
A: No – this board is designed for basic riding and balance. For tricks (ollies, kickflips), a full-sized skateboard (28-32 inches) is required.
Q: Does it come assembled?
A: Most budget mini skateboards come fully assembled – ready to ride out of the box.
Q: Is it safe for indoor use?
A: Yes – on smooth, dry floors like hardwood, tile, or concrete. Clear the area of obstacles first.
Q: What is the weight limit?
A: Not specified, but typical 17-inch mini boards support 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg). Check the product listing.
Q: Can I replace the wheels or bearings?
A: Yes – the board likely uses standard skateboard hardware, but the small size may limit compatibility. Mini skateboard parts are available online.
Q: Is the Brains brand reputable?
A: Brains is a budget/entry-level brand – not a major skateboard brand. For a toddler's first board, it's fine. For serious skating, buy a reputable brand (Element, Santa Cruz, Powell, etc.).
14. Final Verdict ⭐
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Size for young children (2-5 years) | 5.0 |
| Build Quality (entry-level) | 3.5 |
| Ride Smoothness | 3.0 |
| Portability | 5.0 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
| Longevity (child outgrows quickly) | 3.0 |
Overall Score: 4.0 / 5 – Recommended for Toddlers & Young Children
Overall Assessment
The Brains Skateboard 17 x 5 Inch is a small, affordable mini skateboard designed specifically for young children (ages 2-5) who are just learning to balance and ride.
What Makes This Product Good
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Perfect size for toddlers – 17 inches is easy for small children to handle
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Lightweight – kids can carry it themselves
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Portable – fits in backpacks or can be stored easily
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Affordable – won't break the bank for a child's first skateboard
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Safe for indoor use – works on smooth floors
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Great for learning balance – low to the ground, stable
What to Watch Out For
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Too small for older children – will be outgrown quickly
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Not for skateparks – use on flat, smooth surfaces only
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Basic components – not built for heavy use or rough terrain
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Limited brand reputation – not a major skateboard brand
Final Recommendation
If you have a toddler or young child (ages 2-5) who wants to try skateboarding – or you want a fun indoor/outdoor toy for balance practice – the Brains 17 x 5 inch mini skateboard is a good choice.
For older children (6+) , invest in a 22-27 inch mini skateboard or a full-sized 28-32 inch board. For serious skating, choose a reputable brand.
Rating: 4.0 / 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Barnd | Brains |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Sports & Outdoors / Outdoor Recreation / Skateboards / Skateboards |
| Package Dimensions (CM) | 58 X 20 X 10 |
| Weight | 1.2 Kg -/+ |
| Product SKU | 0002122210210 |
Product Details
| High quality carbon ball bearing for a smooth ride Colourful graphics on the board Firm wooden base that won't give way In-Box Contents: 1 Bronx BT Skateboard |
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