Back tension and draw length?

[J Bear]

Is it possible to achieve true back tension if your draw length is not correct?  

I've been shooting a Bear Grizzly recurve at 28" and it seems that it maybe about an 1/2" to 1" too short for me.  While looking at myself in the mirror head on with a very comfortable anchor, I notice my drawing elbow doesn't make it to the six o'clock position but falls between the 5 o'clock and six o'clock position.  I find that practicing full draw without a bow and with my drawing elbow in the six o'clock position, all tension is relieved and my back muscles take over.  My performance has been pretty good lately, but my drawing shoulder is starting to get pretty sore.  

Is there anything I can do differently or do I need a new bow?  Should I bend my bow elbow to accomodate?  Can you purchase a bow at 28 1/2" or 29" draw length?

[30coupe]

The marking on the bow does not mean 28" is the limit if the draw of the bow. The industry set the standard of 28" at which to measure draw weight simply to establish a consistent way for customers to determine the weight of the bow. A bow that draws 45 pounds at 28" would draw about 48 at 29". These are not absolutes either, as every bow has its own variances in materials and manufacture.

If you are drawing over 28" it means you are effectively increasing the draw weight of your bow. Assuming your bow does not stack (pull harder past a particular point) your shoulder just needs to adjust to the added weight. Your Grizzly probably doesn't have a tremendous amount of stack at 29" though it may if one draws much beyond that.

Try taking fewer shots than you have been until you build up your shoulder muscles. Your bow should be fine.

[scriv]

You may want to try to keep your drawing elbow as high as comfortable while drawing.  This seems to eliminate any discomfort for me.