What forum package to use?

I'm about to have a forum site built. The posts will all need to be private but I'm not charging for membership. I only want to allow members from a specific industry to join and to be able to see the posts. I will need to manually approve members and I will require a couple special indentifying numbers from them to join. Aside from this, I would possibly even require invitation codes.

I would prefer a FREE solution and also something that is flexible so I can have a custom theme built and installed easily. If paying is the only way to go, I could probably do it, but I would rather not pay for something if something comparable is available for free.

What forum platform would you roccmend I use? Any input would be appreciated. I'm shopping around, but I would like to hear from other people's experiences as well. THANKS!

 

vBulletin......The best one I've ever seen.

 

the OP asked for "free".
although vb is truly the best, it ain't free.

if you want a forum package thats right up there with vb, try SMF.

 

He said paid is ok too,didn't he?

 

Paid is fine. I've actually been trying to decide between Vbulletin and SMF. Is it worth putting out the $160 to get Vbulletin over SMF?

 

Sure!
Now watch a million people reply to this thread repeating what I said.

 

I won't repeat, just agree and quote

 

Vbulletin. Hands down.

 

SMF hands down
SMf also has a mod that makes your forum invite only.
So no need to pay $160 if you can get it for free as well

 

I recommend you to use Invision Power Board.

The fact that it's not for free gives you the answer to a lot of things.

 

Vbulletin is without equal as of now, IPB is closing the distance though with its user friendliness. SMF is the best FREE option.

 

Nice. Seems that Vbulletin is the way to go. Since SMF is free, I'm going to set one up and see if it is everything I need. Otherwise, I will go for Vbulletin.

 

VBulletin is worth paying if you think your site is going to be popular.

 

Yes. No question. If you have the money, go for vBulletin. If you can't afford vBulletin, second choice is SMF - but remember it IS second choice.

 

i have to agree vBulletin is by fare the best

 

Oh dear, guess I had best "upgrade" to vB then.

 

I better go with VBulletin cuz it would be a pain to change later.

 

phpBB. Install some hacks, spend some time on the theme design and you got a winner. No matter what script you use in the end, do yourself a favour and make it look unique. Don't use a default skin or a stock one. Having the same look as hundreds of other forums would do more damage for your forums than having the powered by phpBB (SMF or myBB - to name some free scripts) tag in the footer

A stock theme vbulletin is less professional than a uniquely modded SMF or phpBB.

 

MyBB is simply the best FREE solution.

 

I have also used myBB and would say it is the best free offering I have used.