Baitcasting reels with push button instead of thumb bar

Anybody make anything anymore that's
available at big box stores or I should
say affordable for the average joe ?

what do you call affordable?

I switched over to mostly lews and am really liking them, this is one I would look at if you want push button.

they have some good reels in the 100 - 150 range also.

https://www.lews.com/en/shop/reels/casting/sc6c

OKUMA makes some good reels but not sure about the push button at reasonable prices.

The only baitcaster I’ve ever seen without a thumb bar were the old AbuGarcia. They had a little metal button in the side of the spool.

Are you looking for a “spin caster”…like a zebco kinda reel?

And when that button came off you could push it with your finger nail ...at your own risk cause sometimes it was like torture...

diawa made a millionare with the button.

The original Lew's Speed Spool also used a metal button like the ABU reels. And I think Shimano made some too, though not 100% certain. I've still got a couple of the Lew's reels, but they are worn out. I still use a couple of 5000 reels, though I honestly see no advantage to the lack of the thumbar.

Maybe the OP is talking about something else?