Not all masks are created equal! There are marked differences when it comes to quality of mask construction and materials. There are two types of materials used to construct most mask skirts on market today. The first is plastic and second is silicone. Plastic mask skirts are generally very inexpensive, and are fine for kids' use in swimming pools, etc. Plastic mask skirts (or vinyl, or PVC) will not last as long as a silicone mask will, due to nature of plastic material. Plastic will crack after repeated use in sun or in chlorinated water (swimming pools).

Silicone masks, on other hand, will last user upwards of ten years, if cared for properly. Silicone mask skirts will always fit better, and give a better seal than other materials. This is because silicone has more elasticity, and can withstand repeated use in any type of water conditions. Silicone mask skirts come in two colors, clear and black, with choice being a matter of personal preference. Clear skirts will allow more light to enter mask, and give a brighter view of environment. Black skirted masks, however, are very popular with photographers who prefer not to have any extraneous light entering their camera's viewfinder.

How should a mask fit? This is a question that has lots of answers. First, try mask on without strap. Place mask on your face and inhale through your nose very lightly. You should feel an even seal around perimeter of mask, with no air leaking through mask at any point. Be especially cautious of areas next to your eyes and under your nose, where lots of folks have some little lines or creases that can prevent a mask from sealing properly. Once you're satisfied mask fit without strap, go ahead and place mask on with strap. Is there any discomfort......do you feel any air leaking when you try to inhale?

Let's talk about styles now. There a lots of different styles on market today....single lens designs, twin lens, three lens and even four lens designs. As you move up in number of lenses, internal volume of mask (the amount of air space inside mask) tends to increase. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you will get better peripheral vision from a multi-window mask. The downside is that if mask leaks somewhat it requires more effort to clear water out of mask. A great feature for snorkelers is a purge valve mask. This type of mask has a small one-way valve that will allow wearer to purge or remove water from mask without lifting face from water. All that is required is to hold entire mask firmly against your face, and blow through your nose, keeping purge valve at lowest point of ther mask. This design saves energy and allows wearer to keep their face in water.

It's golf season again! And you might be looking for a gift to give to someone who's just starting off in golf. So, here are some suggestions. These beginner golf gifts target those new golf souls... ones who don't yet know what their in for, or ones who are already hooked after just playing a few times.

Golf Lessons

The single best choice out of all gifts for golf beginner is golf lessons. There's nothing that beginning golfer can use more. It's even better than a set of clubs, because it will give him/her a chance to really decide if he/she likes game and wants to stick with it. After all, golf can be extremely frustrating, but it's also highly addictive. Start them off right with a lesson and give them a good swing foundation. Contact your local golf course or instruction facility to find out what options you have in your area.

Golf Books

If you can't afford to buy golf lessons for beginning golfer, at very least, get him/her an instruction book or DVD. There are lot to choose from, many with beginner in mind. Don't forget that along with frustrating and addictive, golf can also be intimidating, so help them to be better prepared for their experience. And even if you do decide on giving lessons, instruction books or DVDs are excellent complementary beginner golf gifts.

First Set of Golf Clubs

A lot of new golfers start out by borrowing or renting their clubs when they play, so to help them along you may want to start him/her off with their own set of golf clubs. Don't go with anything extravagant or expensive with their first set. Clubs are usually a pretty personal choice, and it's probable that their first set won't be one they stick with in long term. This is even more important if you're buying first set of clubs for a child, as they will most likely outgrow them by next summer. If you do get a set of clubs, make sure you get a bag to go with it.

Driving Range Membership