diff --git a/table.go b/table.go
index 667e30c..4457cf9 100644
--- a/table.go
+++ b/table.go
@@ -120,15 +120,15 @@ func (rt *RoutingTable) UsefulNewPeer(p peer.ID) bool {
 	rt.tabLock.RLock()
 	defer rt.tabLock.RUnlock()
 
-	if rt.Find(p) != "" {
-		// peer already exists in the routing table, so it isn't useful
-		return false
-	}
-
 	// bucket corresponding to p
 	bucketID := rt.bucketIdForPeer(p)
 	bucket := rt.buckets[bucketID]
 
+	if bucket.getPeer(p) != nil {
+		// peer already exists in the routing table, so it isn't useful
+		return false
+	}
+
 	// bucket isn't full
 	if bucket.len() < rt.bucketsize {
 		return true
diff --git a/version.json b/version.json
index b069fc6..8a508ec 100644
--- a/version.json
+++ b/version.json
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 {
-  "version": "v0.6.2"
+  "version": "v0.6.3"
 }