That is really interesting a 14.25 wb on 8.38 I feel like that would be a great deck if the shape is the same as the normal 8.38. I always felt like the 14.5 wb was kinda long for an 8.38 but I know a lot of people swear by it
I still have a couple of the 8.4 / 8.38 x 32 (which is the same board really, not even a mm different in the few that I have) and they are so comfortable to ride, but to me the shorter wheelbase is not so good for how I skate. The normal 8.38 x 32.25 with 14.5 wb seems like a much bigger and wider board overall, closer to 8.5 size, but again really only 1.5mm different in width from the other 8.4 shorter ones.
The shape on the shorter boards is a bit more rounded too, compared to my 8.38 bigger boards seem a bit more tapered in the kicks when I compare them, some more than others, but as you said, the wheelbase is the main thing that is so very different between them. To ride one for a session, then to get on the other, no matter which one first, I really feel the difference in the turning and even the quick response from the shorter one, which is why I can see you would like it a lot more. About 6mm difference makes a lot of difference.
So does Krooked not do the custom pro shapes anymore or do they just not label them? I only see the specification on Bobby and Ronnie's boards. Mike's is the same size but is it the same shape as before?
Maybe more so with covid production issues, so things like that might be minimal right now, but there were quite a few other non popsicle shapes in previous years, or are you referring more to the popsicle shape just different dimensions?
There is this one in the current list, barely any difference to the normal 8.25 x 32 with 14.38 wheelbase, but the board might be different to see in person...