phenobarbitital- the "black sheep" of the barb family. its better than a lot of benzos(*not* temazepam, rohypnol, clonazepam, or nitrazepam), but its better than lorazepam, xanax, and maybe diazepam(i'd say just as good as diazepam).
however, i am a downer connoisseur and must say it is the worst barb out there. can't be compared to seconal or tunial. pheno compared to any benzo, the pheno will be less euphoric and more "alcohol like".
the best downers are:1.quaaludes(if you can get em),2.short acting barbs(seconal being the best imo),3.temazepam
pheno would likely be like a 7 or higher...