I helped someone setup a DLX 8.25 deck the other day they had bought, but needed everything else.
Funny thing is that 8.25 x 32 with 14.38 wb is a wider board, this one no exception, the dude thinking it was 8.5 as per what he was told in the shop he got it. We measured it and everything else lined up like 32 length and 14.38 wheelbase but the overall width in any area over bolts, middle, etc was 8 and 6/16ths (3/8ths) so that is just another "normal" for me but a big surprise for him.
We put 149s on it and they fit fine, no overhang and it definitely felt a lot wider than another brand, but true 8.25 deck there at the same session when we had a roll on both of them, but was still a lot more nimble than an old 8.5 he was riding before that, so he was actually more stoked on that board than he first thought.
Funny how things work.
It was the Grimple Sticks Evan Smith Guest board, in case anyone else was wondering, so not absolute freshest drop by any means, but still available here in Australia, pics as per this post I looked up:
I would argue that I've had more DLX 8.25/14.38 decks than most people on this forum; it's basically the only shape I've ridden for....years, at this point. I've measured every single one I've ever set up. The dimensions have been rock solid. These are what they've always come out to for me [all measurements done with straight ruler/do not account for bends in wood (e.g. concave, kicks, etc.)]
Length: 31.75"
Width: 8.25"
WB: 14.38"
Nose: 6.81"
Tail: 6.5"
And yes, you can set the 8.25" up with 149s/8.5 trucks. If you do, most wheels will be flush at side of deck, with
slight overhang of axles. With 144s/8.25 trucks, the axles are flush, and edge of wheel sits
slightly inside of deck. I've tried both, and I prefer 144s (with Spit classics). The 149s give you a bit more stability, but feel a little clunky. 144s make things flip a little better, and everything feels more agile, at least to me.
IMHO, the 8.25"/14.38 is the best shape DLX makes, and possibly the best deck ever made in the history of skateboarding.