Level 33 has a decent amount of players, just depends on the time of day. Still, I would say that the next most popular matchmaking range, after 22 or 23, is around 27.

Level 23 and 33 aren't really good in my opinion, there is only two builds that are good, and if you are a high rank, you are in trouble because you will always start second.
I like level 20, if you don't want to fight 23's, always hit cancel when it gets to 17-23 and start searching again at 20.
Level 39 is very tactical and there are a few options, and there are some good 27, 28 and 29 builds.
Trust me thought, level 23 is boring, and most of the high level people lurk there.

But if you fight at level 23, and there is no one really on, you might run into a level 20 because YOU are searching for a level 20, even if the level 20 is not currently searching for you.

So I've been hanging around with a level 23 mech... seems to be fun enough, but getting repetitive. Essentially looking for my next mech level slot... 27-29 seems too close and after looking at the options there, I dunno... so 33 is being rejected on this thread - fair enough. In that case is 39 the next recommended spot?

I'm at level 32 and have 350K credits at the moment. I can certainly wait for 39 if that's where the party's at. I guess I'm just wondering if something in the 40s is a better option - I have the patience to wait - or no?

I say either bite the bullet and go with level 33 as there is a high win ratio (especially if you start) or go to level 39.

My 2nd build was lvl33. I really enjoy it. I also tweaked it a little to be in lvl35, so that i can battle in ranges of 31-39.

If there aren't much players in range 31-39, then i'll switch to my lvl28 mech (range 24-32) or my lvl20 mech (range 16-24).

Oh, from HERE you can see my builds/mechs if you like to get some ideas for your new mech.

--
Aeacus

Well in that case, I didn't know that you would be matched up with people who are higher level even if you aren't searching for there level -.-
the best level is probably 27 or 28, you get the gladiator torso, hoofs legs, and artillery.
You are out of the range of dangerous 33's, and well, yeah.

artilery is overrated....also, storm, you said that 39 battles are tactical....with few options....but tactical battle have A LOT of options...

well a few options is good, most only have 1. eg: 23, 33