They may have the 800XL listed under a couple categories. I think the 900XL is in the deckhand series, but all of the 600, 700, 800, 900 XL, L, ML, M and H are graphiters (get that? 600XL, 700XL... 600L, 700L etc.). I think Calstar put a cuople of em in the "deckhand series" just for advertising or whatever, but they're all graphiters. Lots of people like the 800XL and it is an awesome rod. I personally like a longer rod, and opt for the 9' 900XL. I don't know why, but it just seems to give you a little more clearance over rent rod tangles and moving down the rail and stuff. Most people like the 800XL better though, probably because 9' of rod is a lot to handle if you're not used to it.
As far as custom vs. factory wrap, that's your call. If I were you, I'd go custom wrap. I'm not sure what kind of guides they factory wrap the graphiters with, but good reinforced stainless guides are a must, such as perfection guides. I'm also not sure what type of handle they put on the rods (you can REALLY tell I don't buy factory rods, huh?), but like I said, you'll probably want corktape/no reelseat. Expect to pay around $200 whichever way you go, which is about average, expected cost for a high quality rod like a Calstar or Seeker. Might be a little less, might be a little more. All depends on what type of wraps you get on it, what type of guides, how many guides, what type of butt weave, and the wrapper himself, etc. The one good thing about 8' vs. 9' is that 8' rods are easier to pull on big fish with than 9' rods (the longer the rod, the less the pulling power) so if you'll be fishing yellowtail and albacore that might be a consideration, but if it's only inshore stuff like wsb/halibut/calico bass I'd opt for the longer rod because you can move more line on the hookset, pull fish out of kelp, control the fish etc.
-Brian