Mainline Shelf Life Cell 10mm 5 kg vs Sticky Baits The Krill Shelf Life 16mm 5 kg
Two of the best-known UK shelf-life boilies, side by side
Both are sold as shelf-life boilies in 5 kg bags. Mainline describes Cell as a complete food-source boilie; Sticky Baits says The Krill has a high inclusion of krill among 25 ingredients, and that its shelf-life version differs from the freezer bait only by a natural preservative. A 5 kg bag cost about £55 to £60 for Cell and about £50 for The Krill in UK shops in November 2026.
The verdict up front
Side-by-side at a glance
| Mainline Shelf Life Cell 10mm 5 kg | Sticky Baits The Krill Shelf Life 16mm 5 kg | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (UK shops, Nov 2026) | £57 | £50 |
| Editorial rating | ★★★★⯪ 4.6/5 | ★★★★⯪ 4.6/5 |
| One-line verdict | One of the best-known UK boilies, in a 5 kg bag that keeps without a freezer. | Sticky Baits' best-known boilie, in a shelf-life 5 kg bag that Sticky says is as close to the freezer bait as possible. |
| Best for | Anglers who prebait or fish often and want a proven boilie without freezer space. | Anglers who want a krill-based boilie in bulk without freezer space. |
| Size | 10 mm (this listing) | 16 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 5 kg |
| Type | Shelf life | Shelf life (natural preservative) |
Mainline Shelf Life Cell 10mm 5 kg
One of the best-known UK boilies, in a 5 kg bag that keeps without a freezer.
Sticky Baits The Krill Shelf Life 16mm 5 kg
Sticky Baits' best-known boilie, in a shelf-life 5 kg bag that Sticky says is as close to the freezer bait as possible.
Head-to-head on six criteria
Mainline Shelf Life Cell 10mm 5 kg takes 2 categories, Sticky Baits The Krill Shelf Life 16mm 5 kg takes 1. What actually matters is which criteria weigh most for your fishing style.
| Criterion | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Price per kilo | Sticky Baits | About £10 a kilo for The Krill against about £11 to £12 for Cell in 5 kg bags in UK shops in November 2026. |
| Sizes | Mainline | Mainline lists shelf-life Cell in 10, 15, 18 and 20 mm. The Krill shelf life is sold in sizes including 12, 16 and 20 mm. |
| Matching range | Mainline | Mainline lists matching Cell pop-ups, wafters, groundbaits, additives, pellets and particles. Sticky Baits also sells matching hookbaits for The Krill; compare what your local shop stocks. |
Which one for which angler?
Common questions
Are shelf-life baits as good as freezer baits?
Sticky Baits says its shelf-life baits are as close to the freezer versions as possible, with a natural preservative added. Mainline also sells Cell fresh-frozen.
Is there a big price gap?
No. In 5 kg bags in UK shops in November 2026, Cell cost about £55 to £60 and The Krill about £50.
Which size should I buy?
Smaller boilies (10 to 12 mm) suit spod and PVA mixes and smaller fish; 16 to 20 mm are more selective for bigger carp.