User blog comment:Axelus the 3rd/The new Phage, thoughts and discussion/@comment-4921386-20130822222002/@comment-4921386-20130822230700

The haste is more reliable than the phage proc, and in most 1v1 scenarios functions the same, if not better. The function of the item hasn't changed - its made to enable bruisers to stick to their targets. Losing the team benefit of the slow is a nerf, admittedly, but the reduction in the item's cost in tandem with the revised passive more than make up for it. Phage is so much stronger now.