Don't buy level 10 gear if you think it will make you play at level 10. Once you get to level 20, you will be matched with players around level 20 even if you only use level 10 gear. Level 20 becomes the new minimum match making level so try to buy items around level 20. I would recommend saving up to buy the Lucifer mech which is at level 22.
Also, match making takes into account the highest level item you have on your mech. So, if you have one level 30 item equipped ( kits, weapons, legs, ect...) and the rest of your items are level 22, you will be matched with players around the level 30 range instead.
If you are some what under equipped at the moment, I recommend that you fight against the bots for a bit to make some money to buy the items you need. That is what I had to do when I first reached level 20.
Hope I was somewhat helpful to you.