JB user here too. Tried Taste F2 & Big Rivers mixes but had most success on Bio Shellfish with the Plum & Alaar Salar flavours in the recommended low doses; I know it seems like an ‘out there’ combination, but it’s one of John’s recommended recipes.
I prefer a softer bait to a harder one, so use Soya Oil for a more pliable paste wrap and softer finished bait with a short boil time and overnight air dry. I use the pellet type/extender stops for a bit of extra security from Chub plucking them off.
As others have said, there’s definitely an extra buzz from catching on a bait you’ve carefully made yourself. It’s not the faff that some may think it is, as long as you’ve got the facilities and/or an understanding other half.
I’m having some work done on the house at the moment and can’t access the shed, so unable to make my own. Had some instant success on CC Moore Pacific Tuna recently, so that was nice. Confidence in a bait that’s easily obtainable until I can go home in October.
I’d agree with the comments that Barbel will accept most baits when they’re on the munch, but higher (ingredient) quality boilies will outperform their cheaper counterparts over time, in my opinion.
