Griptape is sold separately. We offer decks in a variety of widths and lengths. The size that you buy is personal preference, however, the size of the skater should be taken into account. A larger person can handle a wider board. It's a size that anybody can handle, and most are comfortable with.
Long boards are a different animal.
Tricks are not what long boarders are after. The smooth fast ride is what they want, and the extra size gives them that. If that's what you're looking for, bigger is better. The hanger is the part of the truck that holds the axle. The width of the axle itself is what you need to know to match it up to your deck.