Nothing but anecdotal, but the most common request I've always gotten in my shop is "I want a disc that goes long and straight". For new and intermediate level players (not tournament terms, just experience), the Valkyrie is a great choice and that's often what I'd recommend. That recommendation was that much easier when I could say that the world record for distance was set with a Valkyrie at the time. They'd always be agreeable until I showed them the Champion Valks with the JK signature. I'd say 60% of the time, the next thing out of their mouth would be "oh, this is a girl's disc, what else do you have?" I never had anyone ask for something else when it was a Star Valk with Christian Sandstrom's signature on it.
Don't get me wrong, I still sold plenty of JK signature Valks, but there was definitely a segment of the male population who wanted nothing to do with throwing a disc with a woman's name/signature on it. It's the same segment that will choose not to buy/throw a disc because it's pink or purple or another "girly" color.
I can't say whether that is or isn't a reason why Innova hasn't given any other women a stock run signature disc, but it would not surprise me in the least if it's on the list. I doubt my store was the only one that has insecure chauvinists shopping for discs.
Major props to Rick, he kept it even keel the whole week and it paid off.
