This paper investigates the influence of helicopter rotor wake modeling on blade airload predictions. A vortex element method is used to compute the free vortex wake geometry and rotor airloads. Various models for vortex core structure, vorticity diffusion, and vortex straining are tested to assess their impact on airload prediction. Empirical factors in vorticity diffusion models are evaluated. Comparisons with wind tunnel data show the benefit of using multiple trailing vortex lines behind the blade span rather than isolated lines or sheets, despite the higher computational cost. Accurately modeling viscous effects like vortex core formation and diffusion is important for reliable wake representation and induced velocity calculations, especially at large wake ages.