Giant Rail helmet

The Rail helmet, Giant's top-tier trail offering, has undergone a redesign, with a rounded shape for a universal fit and a stack of new features.

The aesthetically slick lid includes additional vents for better airflow, the MIPS Air Node rotational impact system, a four-position rear adjustment and a Fidlock magnetic buckle, making it a premium option.

All these features are welcome additions, and at £149.99 it’s one of the more reasonably priced mountain bike helmets on the market, considering the tech involved.

However, the new Rail doesn't come without a few issues, despite these positive aspects.

Giant Rail details and specifications

The Giant Rail features the MIPS Air Node rotational impact system, a fully integrated slim liner.

Unlike traditional designs, where padding is affixed onto a low-friction layer, here the low-friction layer is laminated onto the padding.

The Air Node's engineering is designed to prioritise both superior ventilation and a lightweight build, without compromising on safety.

Coupled with the slim lining, Giant has increased the number of vents to 21, which should help airflow and comfort when working up a sweat.

In one of the most visual differences, the Rail boasts a wide top surface, which Giant claims creates an ideal platform for mounting helmet lights or cameras.

The helmet features a Fidlock magnetic buckle for quick fastening, paired with multi-way adjustable strapping designed to be smooth and free from chafing.

Additionally, the cradle offers on-the-fly adjustment and a four-position snap-in height adjustment, which should allow for a customised fit.

Scoring an impressive 5-star rating from Virginia Tech, the helmet is priced at £149.99. There are three sizes available: S (51-55cm), M (55-59cm) and L (59-63cm), with a size-medium weighing 360g.

Giant Rail performance

The Giant Rail has been designed with all the modern features you would want in a trail helmet.

It stands out as one of the most visually appealing options available. The discreet branding, with 'Giant' printed subtly on the cradle, will likely appeal to those who prefer a more understated logo presence.

Giant has paid particular attention to fit, with a new rounder profile designed to offer a more universal fit and balanced feel.

However, this is where I had my biggest issue with the Rail.

The revised shape exhibited excessive wobbling when compared to helmets of similar size (M 55-59cm), such as the MET Roam or Specialized Ambush 2.

Consequently, I had to tighten the rear adjuster considerably to ensure stability, inadvertently creating pressure points that led to headaches early in my ride.

Despite this setback, Giant deserves commendation for the helmet's exceptional adjustability.

The rear cradle facilitates on-the-fly adjustments that are both user-friendly and secure. The snap-in four-position height adjustment proved intuitive, enabling precise fine-tuning of the fit.

The chin straps were inconspicuous, contributing to a positive riding experience. Adjusting the straps for a snug fit was straightforward, and I particularly appreciated the user-friendly Fidlock buckle, which is in my opinion, the easiest attachment mechanism available.

While the helmet's ability to achieve a precise fit was excellent, my main issue stemmed from the redesigned overall shape. However, this is down to my personal head shape, so may not be a factor for everyone.

The MIPS Air Node boasts a seamlessly integrated slim liner. While Giant claims it delivers maximum protection with a light feel, I found a compromise in comfort, particularly at the front.

The strategically positioned 21 vents ensure superb airflow, which prevented overheating during climbs in warm late-summer conditions.

Whether this cooling effect will persist in the peak of summer remains to be seen.

A notable addition is the broad, solid top at the helmet's centre.

The increased surface area not only improves the overall look but provides a robust platform for mounting cameras and lights. It also adds protection to the crown of the head.

I found the Rail offered good coverage at the temples and the back of the head, and my head was suitably covered for trail riding.

The 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating indicates the helmet has been through some vigorous testing, making it a solid choice to protect your head.

The peak's size and adjustment are spot-on too, and I had no issues securely storing my SunGod Vulcan riding glasses under the visor.

The three-position adjustment gave enough variation to get the peak just right and did not obstruct my view when hitting the trails.

Weighing 360g, it aligns with market competitors, such as the Specialized Ambush 2.

Giant Rail bottom line

The Rail provides impressive safety tech and user-friendly features in an attractive package.

Offering excellent ventilation and a broad range of adjustments for a secure fit, it's a top-tier helmet.

Despite those merits, the slim lining and rounded shape took a toll on my comfort. This compromise led to the emergence of pressure points and headaches.

For riders seeking a feature-rich trail helmet, the Rail is an all-inclusive option. However, the rounded shape may not be everyone's cup of tea.

I highly recommend trying it on for size before making a purchase.