Like most of the other formula boards from the 2007 generation the SB 161 (162 liters) got a somewhat wider tail (the One-Foot-Off measurement) than its predecessor (the SB 160). A wider tail means more distance between the back straps, and to make the board sail "high on the water" (supposedly a rewriting for the ability of the board to sail on the leeward rail?) Starboard found it necessary to deliver the board with a more powerful fin. The Drake R19 fin is in fact a 75 cm R13 fin that is shortened 5 cm from the tip, resulting in a somewhat thick and square tip. The delivered Drake R19 is a fairly good fin, and it's probably not a good idea to upgrade to the original (and recommended!) Debo. R19 Soft --, as a lot of unfortunate buyers value this fin to be much to hard to function with the SB 161. If you feel that you haven't got a sufficient soft fin you might supposedly get away with moving the back straps a little towards the centerline of the board (that is away from the rails)?

As usual for the new formula boards from Starboard the 161 has been involved in lots of victories all over the world. However, it shall not be suppressed that the board from the beginning got a reputation for being a little more technical to sail well than the SB 160. This is a very early verdict from the Danish rider Nikolaj Kruppa: "... stronger thighs and concentration are needed to sail the board to its optimum. But if you are strong enough to sail the board to the limit you get the bonus! I'm sure that the board shall win at least as many races as the 160 did last year. So - if you expect to be fit and in shape it's a fine board for you. (...) But after 3-4 races in strong winds you might miss the good-nature of the 160 ..."

From one of the first international competitions the SB 161 took part in (the Calema Midwinters 2007 in Florida) Steve Bodner tells: "Towards the end of the day yesterday I saw the guys on the Starboard and F2 boards really struggling for control as the breeze came up. Even the Pro sailors were searching for a chicken strap to put on their boards." (http://www.stevebodner.blogspot.com/).

More average sailors who needn't (or don't prefer to) sail their boards to the limits generally have been satisfied with their SB 161s. However, some think that the board might feel a little sticky and perhaps lack a little response. And some aren't quite fond of the somewhat square design towards the front of the board that might give you the impression that the board is a little stopped when hitting small waves and chop.