Why can some players upgrade weapons to level 100, and most until 99 only?

[Peeta Melark]

When you try to upgrade to level 100, the upgrade button is grayed out.

Why do a few players have level 100 equipment?

Bubbaslab from server 2 has a level 100 sword for example

[Andy]

I am just guessing that it may be a Judgement sword and maybe that allows it to go higher.

[Peeta Melark]

I'm referring to Judgement weapons.

All the top players have them, most are at level 99 maximum. But a few are able to go to level 100.

[MisChief]

You can hold any equipment you have a plan and can grind for. The top players have finished all quests and HRs and most have maxed levels on blacksmith and talent. You can level them up to the level you are in game or the max, which is 100.

[mattp169]

You can hold any equipment you have a plan and can grind for. The top players have finished all quests and HRs and most have maxed levels on blacksmith and talent. You can level them up to the level you are in game or the max, which is 100.

I am positive you can only upgrade equipment to 99

However there was a period when you could go to 100 and some people got a sword or spirit to 100. Then a patch came and changed the max to 99.
I am positive this was an unannounced changed like most.