If you are indeed willing to pay, vB and IPB are the only ways to go. Both software are essentially the same when it all comes down to it, personal preference is all that makes a difference. IPB tends to have a better admin side whereas vB tends to have a better user side...There are more advantages/disadvantages to each of course, but they are pretty miniscule.

That said, I prefer vB...it has a larger mod/support community and is the more popular software...so more people know how to use it.