Kigan: Korean rod guide maker since 1978

1978: Kigan Industry founded in South Korea
South Korea: Origin and manufacturing of Kigan guides
3D: Pressed-frame guides since 2010

The story of the brand

Since 1978, guides pressed in South Korea

Kigan Industry was founded in South Korea in 1978. The company focused on fishing rod parts. It then invested in its production tools and joined the global makers of rod guides and reel seats.

2010 was a turning point for the brand. Kigan introduced its first 3D guides, with a pressed frame that wraps closely around the ceramic ring. This process, unique to Kigan, later became the basis of the Z series. These tangle-free guides reduce line knots around the frame.

Today, Kigan 3D guides appear on rod series from major rod makers. The brand offers its rings in zirconia and SiC, on stainless steel or titanium frames. Rodhouse carries its guides and tip tops, used for spinning, casting and carp fishing.

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Key dates

1978 Kigan Industry Co., Ltd. founded in South Korea
2010 Launch of the first 3D guides with pressed frames

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about the brand

Who makes Kigan rod guides?

Kigan rod guides are made by Kigan Industry Co., Ltd., a South Korean company founded in 1978. It produces rod guides, tip tops and reel seats for fishing rods. Its guides are manufactured in South Korea. Several rod makers fit them on their production series, and home rod builders use them too.

What is a Kigan 3D guide?

A 3D guide has a frame shaped by a deep three-dimensional press. Kigan introduced this method in 2010. The frame fits the ceramic ring more closely, which reduces the risk of the ring coming loose. The process also makes the guide lighter. It is exclusive to Kigan, which groups these models in its 3D guide family.

What sets the Kigan Z series apart?

The Z series is Kigan's range of tangle-free guides. Its feet are designed apart from the ring thanks to the 3D press. The frame tilts forward so the line sheds faster. Each guide is formed from one piece of metal, with no gap where the line can catch. Rings are made in zirconia or SiC.

Kigan, a Korean rod guide maker

Kigan is a fishing rod component brand from South Korea. Its maker, Kigan Industry Co., Ltd., was founded in 1978. The company designs and produces rod guides, tip tops and reel seats. Its guides are fitted to production rods from several rod makers. They are also used by anglers who build their own rods at home.

Kigan designs its guides for several fishing styles. Its single foot and double foot models cover spinning, casting, carp fishing and surfcasting. The tip tops use the same frames and the same ceramic rings. Guide sizes and foot heights are planned for a guide train built with the KR Concept method.

Kigan know-how: the 3D press

In 2010, Kigan launched its first 3D guides. A deep press shapes the frame in three dimensions. This method increases the contact area between the ceramic ring and the metal frame. The ring sits more firmly in its seat and handles impacts better. The process also makes the guide lighter.

The Z series applies this idea to tangle-free guides. Thanks to the 3D press, the feet are designed apart from the ring. The frame leans forward so the line sheds more easily. Each guide is formed from a single piece of metal, with no gap where the line could jam.

Rings in zirconia or silicon carbide (SiC).
According to Kigan, zirconia resists bending better than SiC, which allows a thinner ring.
Stainless steel or titanium frames, depending on the series.
Stepped feet that hold the wrapping thread more securely.

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Kigan: rod guides and tip tops for rod building

Since 1978, guides pressed in South Korea

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Everything about the brand

Who makes Kigan rod guides?

What is a Kigan 3D guide?

What sets the Kigan Z series apart?