In described embodiments, a Decision Feed Forward Equalizer (DFFE) comprises a hybrid architecture combining features of a Feed Forward Equalizer (FFE) and a Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE). An exemplary DFFE offers relatively improved noise and crosstalk immunity than an FFE implementation alone, and relatively lower burst error propagation than a DFE implementation alone. The exemplary DFFE is a relatively simple implementation due few or no critical feedback paths, as compared to a DFE implementation alone. The exemplary DFFE allows for a parallel implementation of its DFE elements without an exponential increase in the hardware for higher numbers of taps. The exemplary DFFE allows for cascading, allowing for progressive improvement in BER, at relatively low implementation cost as a solution to achieve multi-tap DFE performance.