MLS12D - there's no right or wrong on this one, but I am not used to operating without a checklist! I do on occasions go through start / power checks without using checklist, but there's always a nagging doubt in my mind that I've forgotten something, even when checking the obvious!
I feel more comfortable in situations like this just to review a checklist to make sure that nothing's been missed.
As I said - it's a 'what I'm used to' thing, rather than being right / wrong. I also like to use a comprehensive checklist (as per AFE for the UK pilots) so that if I get interrupted by an ATC call during taxi, etc, I can get back to where I left off.