I would like the gangs opinion on my next bow purchase, I would like a similar backup bow to my Foley longbow, in fact I plan on calling Ron Foley in a few weeks. My question is in regards to my draw length, I have a 26.5 draw length. The bow I'm shooting now is a typical 50# @ 28 "  I see some bows out there that are at 50# @ 26 ". Now is there more to this than the obvious few less pounds at 2 " shorter draw length ? If so no biggie to me, I will get a 52# or so at 28"
Or........  Is there a sweet spot built into the bow at the draw length holding point ? And I should request a xx# @ 26" ?

Thanks gang !
Dan

At 26, you're probably losing #4. That's almost 10% of the total weight of your bow. If you're getting a custom, get it at the desired weight@26.5. Especially if you are hunting something where you may want the weight. Or if your arrows are spined for #50@28.

Sorry, I mean 26.5. I think you'd lode about #4.
I use a cheap Taylor 8120 luggage scale. If you have many bows, it's worth the investment. About $12. So I know. Marco

I would advise talking to Ron. If he's making a new bow for you he can hit the weight you want very close and maybe tweak the bow for max performance at your draw length.

The best advice is to talk to the bowyer, and Foley is an expert.

Just don't forget, a "backup" bow HAS to be equal to the bow you hunt with.  If you lose the first, and suddenly you have nothing but the back up, its like shooting a new bow all over again . I went to Alberta once for a whole month. Work was slow so I went up and worked for the guide for three weeks in return for the last week of hunting. I was shooting a Silvertip with another bow as backup. The guide moved the bow while I was out in the bush, and left it in the blaring sun...only 4 hours of dark at the time up there. It didn't delaminate but the limbs twisted terribly and there was no fixing it. My backup bow was shorter and shot much differently. It was brutal, I shot nonstop the first two days that I was supposed to hunt. Totally different from my Silvertip. This is an extreme situation...but nontheless it could happen to you. Make sure you are as accurate with your backup as your main bow.
And yes, usually bows do have a sweet spot depending on the draw length they are made for. Good luck!!