Favorite Forum System?

[mattlanta]

A friend and I are about to start a forum that is about all of Atlanta's sports teams (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, etc.), and we're thinking of upgrading our forum system. The one we have now isn't too good. So I want to know what forum system you guys are most familiar and comfortable with and which one is your favorite.

I don't know how to start a poll in this forum, so please just tell me what you guys are most comfortable with between the three, and if your favorite isn't on here, then please provide some input anyways. I'd appreciate it.

Invision Power Board
vBulletin
phpBB

Thanks.

[MikeVic]

I've only used vBulletin really, so I can't give great input... however, if you can't figure out how to create a poll using vBulletin right now, maybe you shouldn't be creating your own forum. :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

Are there any pro sports fans in Atlanta?

[Icy]

vBulletin is the best, but it's not free. If you prefer a free forum, i would go with phpBB or SMF.

[Router Help]

http://punbb.org/ is what I use.

Here is a decent guide: http://shsc.info/ForumSoftwareGuide

[Greyroofoo]

i've always enjoyed vBulletin forums

[DanGarion]

VB is great, but it's a steep upfront cost and $30 a year after the first 2.

PHPbb 3.0 is pretty sweet and free. They are giving VB a run with the new version, IMO.

[daedalus]

amongst the boards that i browse, vbulletin have been my favourite. the experts seem to be able to twist it to their will with amazing results.

VPI seems to be able to make phpBB sing a mighty nice tune AND dance a jig or two so it has potential . . . if you've got the people to tune it.

avoid whatever SI uses for their forum and whatever baen uses for theirs.

[flere-imsaho]

Have phpBB started figuring out how to handle spam & exploits with their latest version?

[DanGarion]

Have phpBB started figuring out how to handle spam & exploits with their latest version?

Heck yeah.

[cartman]

Have phpBB started figuring out how to handle spam & exploits with their latest version?

About 9 months ago I put a mod onto my phpBB board for the FOFC-BBCF league that has stopped 100% of the spam signups. That was a godsend.

I've been playing around with the new 3.0 version, but haven't done enough with it yet to get a good feel for how much different it is than the 2.x stuff.

That being said, I'll echo what the previous posters have said. If you are willing to pay, vbulletin is the way to go. But if you are price-sensitive, then phpBB is a strong candidate.