I figured 1-up had to be with a spin to be anywhere close to as fast as 2-up in most conditions.
Yep.
Are you saying in 1up could you use a jib?
No - 1up = main + spi only
That said, having the option of putting the jib on when singlehandling can help liven up otherwise dull conditions. Of course, you can't race as F16 like that.
Paul