If that's the case, then I wonder if their regular masks do anything at all. More on-topic, I read the function of the Golden Masks as refining and increasing the powers of the Toa. They can use their 'signature moves' whenever, but the Golden Masks allow them complete control over the lement and some additional power. For example, Golden Mask of the Jungle allows Lewa to 'channel the resilience of the forest'. I read that as giving him quick(er) healing abilities, over time, Lewa could recover from any hit or poison, if he's wearing the Gold Mask. Kopaka's Golden Mask would not only allow him to reshape his shield into skis, but give him complete control over all ice. If you watch their animation, you'll notice that all of their primary weapons are in "mobility" form (surfboard, skis, etc.) until they get their golden masks, at which point they convert those items to their "weapon" forms.